Air Travel Faces Further Disruptions Amid Ongoing FAA Flight Cuts

Tue Nov 11 2025 10:09:16 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the FAA enforces stringent flight reductions during the government shutdown, U.S. air travelers prepare for continued cancellations and delays due to controller shortages and adverse weather conditions.

Air travelers are bracing for additional frustrations as airports implement a 6% reduction in flights mandated by the FAA in response to a government shutdown. Already over 7,900 flights have been canceled, with significant delays anticipated in areas like Chicago due to controller shortages and inclement weather. The situation could worsen if the shutdown continues and staffing levels do not stabilize, prompting criticism from advocacy groups calling for more comprehensive actions against private jet travel during this crisis.

Air travelers could face more frustration as busy U.S. airports need to meet a higher Federal Aviation Administration target for reducing flights Tuesday after already canceling thousands to scale back demands on the nation’s aviation system during the government shutdown.

The FAA ordered domestic airlines last week to drop 4% of their flights at 40 major U.S. airports, saying absences and signs of stress among traffic controllers made it imperative to act for public safety. After already canceling more than 7,900 flights since Friday, the goal for cutting flights is set to increase to 6% on Tuesday and again to 10% on Friday.

However, it remains unclear exactly how many additional flights will need to be canceled Tuesday. The average cancellation rate over the last few days already exceeded the FAA’s requirement, according to aviation analytics company Cirium. The FAA also expanded its flight restrictions Monday, barring business jets and many private flights from using several airports already under commercial flight limits.

Controller shortages are expected to lead to further flight delays, including significant delays of about five hours for arriving flights at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, where winter weather conditions contributed to staffing-related disruptions. The FAA warned that delays could affect departures to cities like Phoenix, San Diego, New York, and Houston.

Freezing weather across parts of the country on Tuesday could exacerbate delays and cancellations.

The Senate passed legislation Monday to reopen the government, but the bill still needs to be approved by the House, with final passage potentially still days away. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted that flight reductions will remain until the FAA sees stabilization at its air traffic control facilities.

Many aircraft are not positioned correctly, which could delay airlines' return to normal operations after the FAA lifts the order, according to Mike Taylor of J.D. Power. The impacts of these shutdowns have real consequences for millions, emphasized critics, highlighting that this impending crisis is both avoidable and detrimental.

Amid the ongoing challenges faced by aviation personnel, controllers have begun to call out of work, citing stress and the necessity of taking on secondary jobs, with some calling for additional measures to address their plight.