Direct answer: As of now, the FAA is implementing a 10% reduction in flight capacity at 40 of the busiest U.S. airports due to the government shutdown. The impacted airports include major hubs such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York’s JFK and LaGuardia, Chicago O’Hare and Midway, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Newark, Boston Logan, Washington-area airports (Dulles, Reagan National, Baltimore/Washington), Seattle-Tacoma, San Francisco, and others across the country. Travelers should expect more cancellations and disruptions, and should check with their airlines for specific flight impacts and rebooking options. [source updates from major outlets covering FAA directives on November 5–6, 2025] What this means for you
- If you have a flight booked through one of the affected airports, monitor your airline’s notifications for potential changes or cancellations.
- Expect ripple effects beyond the 40 targeted airports due to scheduling adjustments and congestion management.
- If your travel plans are flexible, consider alternative travel dates or nearby airports to increase the chances of preserving your itinerary.
Key steps to take
- Check your flight status directly with your airline on the day of travel and again close to departure, as reductions can be adjusted.
- Review rebooking or refund policies in light of the FAA’s 10% reduction directive, and inquire about waivers or airline-assisted options.
- If you’re traveling soon and have time-sensitive connections, plan buffer time and consider alternative routes or airports.
If you’d like, provide your departure and arrival airports and travel date, and this can be checked against the latest official notices and airline advisories to estimate likely impact and viable alternatives.
