FAA to Cut Flights by 10% at 40 Major US Airports Amid Government Shutdown

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced it will reduce flight capacity by 10% at 40 major airports across the United States, starting this Friday. The move comes as an extraordinary measure to ensure safety amid the ongoing government shutdown, which has placed significant strain on air traffic controllers.

The decision impacts thousands of commercial, cargo, and private flights daily. According to officials, the reduction is a necessary step to maintain safe operations as the workforce shows signs of stress. The FAA directs more than 44,000 flights each day, and this cutback is designed to manage the workload at critical facilities. The agency has stated that the restrictions will apply to "high-volume" markets to prevent system overload.

A list of the affected airports reveals a nationwide impact, with a particularly heavy concentration in California. Five major airports in the state, including Los Angeles International (LAX), Ontario International (ONT), San Diego International (SAN), Oakland International (OAK), and San Francisco International (SFO), are slated for reductions. The FAA's flight capacity reduction plan underscores the widespread consequences of the political impasse on national infrastructure.

Other prominent hubs facing cuts include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Dallas/Fort Worth International, and the major airports serving New York City. The full list of 40 airports impacted by the FAA capacity cuts was obtained by news organizations ahead of the official announcement. Travelers flying to or from these locations should anticipate potential delays and cancellations starting Friday.

The FAA has framed the initiative as a proactive safety measure. While the immediate effect will be disruptive for airlines and passengers, the agency insists that reducing air traffic is essential during the shutdown to avoid compromising the integrity of the national airspace system. The duration of these flight reductions remains tied to the resolution of the government shutdown.