The continuing U.S. federal government shutdown has forced a decisive intervention by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with the agency ordering a phased reduction of up to 10 % of flights at 40 major airports nationwide, citing mounting air-traffic control staffing pressures.
The shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history, has left tens of thousands of essential aviation personnel—such as air-traffic controllers and TSA agents—working without pay or furloughed, triggering concerns over operational safety and capacity. As a result, the FAA issued an emergency order:
- A cut of 4 % in daily flights began Friday, ramping up to 10 % by next week.
- The reductions will apply across passenger, private, and cargo flights at the busiest hubs, including but not limited to airports in Atlanta, New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Chicago.
- International long-haul routes are initially exempt, while domestic and regional flights form the primary target.
