Direct answer: Flights are being reduced now due to the ongoing government shutdown, with airlines applying FAA-mandated cuts across major hubs. Reductions are being phased in, starting at a smaller percentage and increasing toward about 10% in the early to mid part of the coming week, affecting thousands of flights at 40 high-traffic airports. Travelers should expect notable cancellations and schedule changes, especially in peak travel periods, and should monitor their airline notices and the FAA’s published market reductions for updates. Context and what to expect next:
- Scope: 40 of the busiest U.S. airports are subject to flight-cuts to relieve air-traffic-control staffing strain during the shutdown. This affects most major carriers operating domestic services.
- Timing: The reductions are being implemented Friday, with initial cuts around 4% and planned growth to about 10% by mid-next week, and continuing as long as the shutdown persists.
- Impact: Cancellations are occurring across numerous flights, with hundreds to thousands of flights affected nationwide as airlines adjust schedules. International operations remain largely unaffected in the immediate term, while domestic capacity is most impacted.
- Traveler guidance:
- Check your flight status frequently via the airline app or website.
- Consider flexible travel options, such as rebooking without fees where offered, or credit/voucher policies that airlines may extend during the disruption.
* If you’re already at the airport, stay near the departure board for real-time changes and listen for airline announcements.
Notes:
- The situation is evolving as the FAA implements its reduction plan and as the shutdown continues to affect staffing. Updated details on which specific markets are reduced and by exactly how much are typically released by the FAA and major outlets day by day.
If you’d like, I can pull the latest live status from reputable outlets and summarize the current cancellations and affected airports for your itinerary.
