FAA Orders Sweeping Flight Reductions
In a dramatic move that’s sending shockwaves through the travel industry, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered airlines to slash flight capacity by
10% at 40 major U.S. airports starting Friday, November 7, 2025. The decision, announced by FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, comes as the agency grapples with the ongoing government shutdown and mounting pressure on air traffic control resources.
Why Is the FAA Cutting Flights?
The FAA’s emergency order lays out a phased reduction plan:
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4% reduction by 6:00 a.m. EST on November 7
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6% reduction by November 11
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8% reduction by November 13
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10% reduction by November 14 and onward
These cuts are designed to relieve pressure on the busiest airports and maintain safety standards as staffing and resources are stretched thin. Bedford emphasized,
“Our sole role is to make sure that we keep this airspace as safe as possible. This is about where the pressure is and how to really deviate the pressure.”
Who’s Affected—and Who’s Not?
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Domestic flights at the 40 impacted airports will see thousands of cancellations and schedule changes each day.
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International flights are exempt from the cuts, so travelers heading overseas should see minimal disruption.
- The reductions apply to flights scheduled between
6 a.m. and 10 p.m., the busiest hours for U.S. air travel.
Airlines like American have already begun trimming schedules, with about 220 flights cut over the weekend at affected airports. Carriers are required to submit daily lists of reduced operations to the FAA, which reserves the right to modify these lists to prevent disproportionate impacts on regional connectivity.
What Travelers Can Expect
If you’re flying in the next week, brace for:
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More cancellations and delays at major hubs
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Crowded rebooking lines and longer wait times
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Potential ripple effects across the entire air travel network
The FAA’s daily air traffic report will provide updates on delays and disruptions. Experts recommend checking your flight status frequently and being prepared for last-minute changes.
The Bigger Picture: Safety and Shutdown Fallout
This unprecedented move highlights the vulnerability of the U.S. airspace system during government funding lapses. The FAA has warned that if the shutdown continues, it may be forced to close airspace in some regions entirely—a scenario that could cripple domestic travel.
While the FAA insists safety remains its top priority, the reductions are a stark reminder of how quickly operational challenges can escalate. The agency is also juggling other critical initiatives, from testing new communication technologies like Starlink to updating helicopter routes at major airports.
What’s Next for Travelers and Airlines?
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Monitor official FAA updates and airline communications for the latest changes.
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Consider flexible travel plans or alternative airports if possible.
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Expect ongoing uncertainty until the government shutdown is resolved and full FAA operations resume.
The coming days will test the resilience of America’s air travel system—and the patience of millions of travelers.
Sources
1. [PDF] FAA-Emergency-Order-11-6-25.pdf
2. FAA General Statements | Federal Aviation Administration
3. An update on the FAA directive - American Airlines Newsroom
4. FAA says it's cutting thousands of flights a day starting this week due ...
5. FAA Newsroom
6. FAA Press Releases | Federal Aviation Administration
7. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
8. The FAA is slashing flights because of the shutdown. Here's what ...
9. FAA Daily Air Traffic Report | Federal Aviation Administration
