U.S. Faces Travel Chaos as FAA Cuts Flights Amid Govt Shutdown

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has begun cutting flights at major U.S. airports as part of emergency measures to ease pressure on unpaid and overworked air traffic controllers during the government shutdown.

Starting Friday, the FAA is phasing in flight reductions of up to 10% across 40 airports, including Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, Denver, and San Francisco.

Nearly 500 flights have already been canceled, with more expected throughout the weekend. Airlines such as Delta, United, and American are scaling back operations, offering refunds, and warning passengers of potential disruptions.

The unprecedented move follows weeks of mounting strain on air traffic control facilities, where many controllers have been working mandatory overtime six days a week without pay.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association has warned of safety risks and staffing shortages, while Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called the situation “uncharted territory.”

Analysts estimate the cuts could affect as many as 1,800 flights and 268,000 passengers nationwide, disrupting travel and cargo shipments as the shutdown drags on.

Industry leaders are urging Congress to reach a deal, warning that prolonged disruption could paralyze the aviation system during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.