In a move unprecedented in modern aviation history, the Federal Aviation Administration announced on November 5, 2025, that it will slash air traffic by up to 10% across 40 high-volume markets beginning Friday, November 8. This drastic measure, triggered by severe staffing shortages among unpaid air traffic controllers during the longest government shutdown on record—now in its 37th day—threatens to ground up to 1,800 flights daily and disrupt over 268,000 passenger seats.
The cuts are not uniform: reductions begin at 4% on Friday, escalate to 5-6% over the weekend, and reach the full 10% mark by early next week, remaining in place until the shutdown ends. International flights are currently exempt, but domestic travelers face immediate chaos heading into one of the busiest holiday periods.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford framed the decision as a proactive safety imperative, citing mounting fatigue reports and a 300% surge in weekend absenteeism at control facilities. “We’re not waiting for a crisis when early indicators demand action today,” Bedford stated during the announcement.
The Complete List of 40 Affected Airports
The FAA released the finalized roster Thursday morning, confirming impacts on nearly every major hub serving 85% of U.S. passengers. Here’s the full breakdown:
| Airport Code | Airport Name | Daily Flights (Pre-Cuts) | Estimated Daily Cuts (at 10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANC | Ted Stevens Anchorage International | 450 | 45 |
| ATL | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International | 2,500 | 250 |
| BOS | Boston Logan International | 1,200 | 120 |
| BWI | Baltimore/Washington International | 750 | 75 |
| CLT | Charlotte Douglas International | 1,600 | 160 |
| DCA | Ronald Reagan Washington National | 900 | 90 |
| DEN | Denver International | 1,800 | 180 |
| DFW | Dallas/Fort Worth International | 2,000 | 200 |
| DTW | Detroit Metropolitan | 1,100 | 110 |
| EWR | Newark Liberty International | 1,200 | 120 |
| FLL | Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International | 900 | 90 |
| HNL | Daniel K. Inouye International (Honolulu) | 600 | 60 |
| IAD | Washington Dulles International | 800 | 80 |
| IAH | George Bush Intercontinental (Houston) | 1,400 | 140 |
| JFK | John F. Kennedy International | 1,300 | 130 |
| LAS | Harry Reid International (Las Vegas) | 1,400 | 140 |
| LAX | Los Angeles International | 1,700 | 170 |
| LGA | LaGuardia | 1,100 | 110 |
| MCO | Orlando International | 1,300 | 130 |
| MDW | Chicago Midway International | 600 | 60 |
| MIA | Miami International | 1,200 | 120 |
| MSP | Minneapolis-St. Paul International | 1,100 | 110 |
| ORD | Chicago O’Hare International | 2,400 | 240 |
| PHL | Philadelphia International | 1,200 | 120 |
| PHX | Phoenix Sky Harbor International | 1,300 | 130 |
| SAN | San Diego International | 600 | 60 |
| SEA | Seattle-Tacoma International | 1,300 | 130 |
| SFO | San Francisco International | 1,200 | 120 |
| SLC | Salt Lake City International | 900 | 90 |
| TPA | Tampa International | 700 | 70 |
(Data aggregated from FAA disclosures and aviation analytics)
New York metro airports (JFK, LGA, EWR, plus Teterboro) face combined cuts exceeding 400 flights daily, while Chicago’s O’Hare alone could lose 240.
A System on the Brink
Air traffic controllers have worked without pay since October 1, logging mandatory six-day weeks and overtime. Absenteeism spiked to 20-40% at key facilities last weekend, with 39 control centers reporting potential shortages—triple the pre-shutdown average.
Many controllers are juggling second jobs, skipping meals, or forgoing childcare to make ends meet. Duffy referenced a deadly mid-air collision earlier this year, emphasizing the FAA’s determination to act before tragedy strikes. Yet critics argue the administration is weaponizing safety to pressure congressional Democrats, who have rejected budget demands tied to mass federal layoffs and social program cuts.
Traveler Nightmare: Thanksgiving Plans in Tatters
With 42 million Americans expected to fly over Thanksgiving week, the timing couldn’t be worse. Real-time reactions flooding social platforms reveal the human toll:
- Families canceling reunions: “Driving 22 hours from NYC to Florida—flight canceled, no rebooking until December.”
- Business travelers stranded: “Wall Street execs rerouting through Toronto; meetings scrapped.”
- Holiday chaos: “Southwest already pushing passengers 2-3 days later. Turkey dinner? More like ramen in an airport.”
Airlines received just 48 hours to rebuild schedules crafted months ago. Major carriers report minimal disruptions Thursday but warn of cascading delays Friday onward. Travel insurance claims are surging, while Amtrak reports sold-out trains on Northeast corridors.
Economic Ripple Effects: Beyond the Runway
The cuts threaten a $50-75 billion hit to the holiday travel economy. Hotels in gateway cities report 30-40% cancellation spikes, while cargo delays imperil Black Friday supply chains. Wall Street traders, unable to reach Manhattan offices reliably, are shifting operations to Miami or remote setups.
If the shutdown persists past 50 days, insiders warn of potential 50% cuts by Christmas—effectively paralyzing commercial aviation.
Leverage or Legitimate Crisis?
The Trump administration has executed over 4,100 mass firings and withheld benefits from millions, including SNAP recipients in blue states. Wednesday’s announcement coincides with intensified White House attacks on “obstructionist Democrats,” who counter that the president is manufacturing crises to force concessions.
Aviation unions demand immediate backpay, while bipartisan governors from affected states flood congressional switchboards. The 2018-2019 shutdown ended after similar controller absences grounded East Coast flights—history suggests this could be the breaking point.
What Travelers Should Do Right Now
- Check flight status hourly via airline apps (not third-party sites).
- Arrive 4+ hours early starting Friday.
- Secure flexible tickets or travel insurance refunds.
- Consider alternatives: trains selling out, rental cars scarce.
- Monitor FAA updates—additional measures loom if pressures mount.
As one controller anonymously shared: “We’re keeping planes apart by sheer willpower. This isn’t sustainable.”
The skies have become the ultimate battleground in Washington’s war. Until a deal emerges, millions pay the price for political gridlock—one canceled flight at a time. FAA flight cuts 2025 full airport list, government shutdown Thanksgiving travel disruptions, 10% air traffic reduction affected cities, unpaid controllers safety crisis
