US cancels flights amid government shutdown strain

The Federal Aviation Administration has announced it will reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 major markets from Friday, November 7, 2025, to maintain safety amidst the United States government shutdown.

The cutback stands to affect thousands of flights nationwide because the FAA directs more than 44,000 flights daily, including commercial passenger flights, cargo planes and private aircraft.

The agency did not immediately identify which airports or cities would be affected but said the restrictions would remain in place as long as necessary.

“I’m not aware in my 35-year history in the aviation market where we’ve had a situation where we’re taking these kinds of measures,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said at a news conference on Wednesday, November 5.

Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since the shutdown began on October 1, and most have been on duty six days a week while putting in mandatory overtime.

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With some calling out of work due to frustration, taking second jobs or lacking money for childcare or fuel, staffing shortages during some shifts have led to flight delays at several U.S. airports, AFP reported.

Bedford, citing increased staffing pressures and safety reports indicating growing fatigue among air traffic controllers, said he and United States Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy did not want to wait until the situation reached a crisis point.

Bedford said: “We’re not going to wait for a safety problem to truly manifest itself when the early indicators are telling us we can take action today to prevent things from deteriorating.

“The system is extremely safe today and will be extremely safe tomorrow. If the pressures continue to build even after we take these measures, we’ll come back and take additional measures.”

The Star