FAA Announces Planned Flight Reductions Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown
November 7, 2025 – Washington, D.C. – Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford announced steps to uphold safety in the national airspace system during the government shutdown. The FAA will implement a temporary reduction of up to 10% in flights at 40 major airports nationwide by November 14.
Since the shutdown began, air traffic controllers have been working without pay, causing staffing challenges at various air traffic facilities. This has increased strain on the system, with more reports of operational stress from both pilots and controllers. Over the past weekend, airports experienced 2,740 flight delays.
“My department has many responsibilities, but our number one job is safety. This isn’t about politics – it’s about assessing the data and alleviating building risk in the system as controllers continue to work without pay,” said Secretary Sean P. Duffy.
“It’s safe to fly today, and it will continue to be safe to fly next week because of the proactive actions we are taking,” said Administrator Bryan Bedford.
“We are seeing signs of stress in the system, so we are proactively reducing the number of flights to make sure the American people continue to fly safely,” Bedford added.
Summary
To maintain air travel safety during the government shutdown, the FAA will reduce flights by up to 10% at 40 key airports, addressing operational stress as controllers work without pay.
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