WASHINGTON, Nov 05 – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is preparing to implement a 10% reduction in air traffic across 40 of the nation’s busiest airports as the ongoing government shutdown continues to strain federal operations. The move is expected to cause widespread disruptions, from flight delays to cancellations, in major travel hubs across the United States.
According to information obtained by CBS News from a source familiar with the matter, these cuts are part of a broader plan by the FAA and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to manage staffing shortages among air traffic controllers. Many controllers have been working without pay throughout the 36-day-long shutdown, and growing fatigue among staff has forced the government to take temporary measures to maintain operational safety.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed on Wednesday that the FAA will scale down operations in 40 “high-volume” airspace areas. The reductions will be phased in starting Friday, with airlines expected to reach the full 10% decrease in flight capacity by next week. Officials noted that the decision was made to ensure that the limited workforce can handle air traffic safely and efficiently during the shutdown period.
Although the FAA has not released a formal list of the affected airports, a proposed list under review includes several of the nation’s most critical passenger and cargo hubs. These include major metropolitan airports such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Los Angeles International, Dallas/Fort Worth International, and New York’s John F. Kennedy International. The list also features airports with heavy cargo traffic like Louisville, Memphis, Anchorage, and Ontario, California, as well as smaller but significant facilities like Teterboro Airport in New York, known for handling private jet operations.
Officials familiar with internal discussions emphasized that the list is still being finalized and may be subject to change before the FAA issues an official directive to the airlines. The DOT has yet to issue a public comment on the final scope of the reductions.
Industry experts warn that the capacity cuts could lead to a ripple effect throughout the aviation system, impacting flight schedules, cargo logistics, and even regional travel connections. The anticipated reduction will not only affect major carriers but also low-cost airlines and regional operators that depend heavily on access to these major airports for connecting routes.
Airlines are expected to adjust their flight schedules gradually over the next several days, prioritizing routes with higher passenger demand while postponing or canceling others. Passengers traveling through major airports such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami may face delays, cancellations, or longer layovers as airlines work to comply with the new restrictions.
The FAA’s approach appears to be focused on balancing safety with operational continuity. With controllers working extended hours under high stress, the agency aims to prevent errors that could compromise safety in the skies. However, this decision has also sparked concern among airline industry representatives who fear that sustained reductions could cause financial strain, especially for carriers operating tight schedules in competitive markets.
Analysts note that the impact could be particularly severe at hub airports like Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Chicago O’Hare, where even minor disruptions tend to cascade across national and international networks. Additionally, airports serving as critical cargo gateways, such as Memphis and Louisville, may see delays in freight operations that could disrupt supply chains and affect delivery timelines for major logistics companies.
The tentative list of affected airports, as reviewed by The Info Zone, includes the following:
- Anchorage International (ANC)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)
- Boston Logan International (BOS)
- Baltimore/Washington International (BWI)
- Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG)
- Dallas Love Field (DAL)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)
- Denver International (DEN)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW)
- Newark Liberty International (EWR)
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL)
- Honolulu International (HNL)
- Houston Hobby (HOU)
- Washington Dulles International (IAD)
- George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)
- Indianapolis International (IND)
- John F. Kennedy International (JFK)
- Las Vegas Harry Reid International (LAS)
- Los Angeles International (LAX)
- LaGuardia (LGA)
- Orlando International (MCO)
- Chicago Midway (MDW)
- Memphis International (MEM)
- Miami International (MIA)
- Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP)
- Oakland International (OAK)
- Ontario International (ONT)
- Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)
- Portland International (PDX)
- Philadelphia International (PHL)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)
- San Diego International (SAN)
- Louisville International (SDF)
- Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)
- San Francisco International (SFO)
- Salt Lake City International (SLC)
- Teterboro (TEB)
- Tampa International (TPA)
While the FAA’s plan remains under review, aviation analysts believe travelers should prepare for disruptions that may last as long as the shutdown continues. Airlines are urging passengers to monitor flight status updates closely and consider flexible travel plans in the coming days.
The ongoing situation underscores how deeply the federal shutdown has affected critical infrastructure and essential services across the country. Until government funding is restored and normal operations resume, the FAA’s capacity reductions could continue to challenge both the aviation industry and the millions of passengers who rely on it daily.
Reported by The Info Zone, based on information provided by sources familiar with FAA and DOT discussions.