Crisis at US airports: FAA imposes 10% cut to flights
The federal government shutdown is bringing the U.S. aviation system to its knees. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced [...]
United States of America
Lo federal government shutdown is bringing the U.S. air system to its knees. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a reduction in flight capacity in the 40 major airports of the country as of Friday, November 7, with a progressive plan: -4% in the first day, -5% over the weekend, up to -10% in the following week if the political stalemate is not resolved.
We are not in the business of theories. We don't speculate. We are working together with @FAANews and @NTSB to get to the facts about what caused the UPS plane crash in Kentucky.
I'm sending my condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. Let's come... pic.twitter.com/yPdtwwPmKy
- Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) November 6, 2025
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The goal is to manage the growing shortage of air traffic controllers, left without pay due to the administrative blockade. In some radar centers, such as those in the area of New York, until 40% of staff did not report for duty, making it necessary to reduce movements to ensure operational safety.
Thousands of flights canceled and disruptions also for Europe
The plan initially covers the domestic flights, but it cannot be ruled out that if the situation worsens, the international connections. The effects could also be felt in Europe, where those flying to the United States risk Delays, missed connections and chain cancellations.
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According to the Cirium estimates, a company specializing in air traffic analysis, a cut of 10% is equivalent to about 1,800 fewer flights per day and beyond 268,000 total seats. The company, which monitors real-time operations and capacity of carriers around the world, estimated that Chicago O'Hare could lose 121 flights out of 1,212 planned e Atlanta more than a hundred daily rotations. Data showing the potential impact of the plan and the risk of widespread congestion if the political crisis is not resolved quickly.
A political crisis that becomes an air emergency
The federal blockade, in progress for more than a month, has left without pay more than 13,000 air traffic controllers. Many no longer show up for work, others operate without pay on shifts that are already stretched to the limit. The capacity reduction is an emergency measure but also a political signal: if the stalemate is not resolved, the chaos at U.S. airports Will become inevitable.
In the coming weeks, companies and passengers will face widespread delays and cancellations, the effect of an institutional blockade that is paralyzing the U.S. skies.
