**FAA to Reduce Flight Capacity by 10% at 40 Major Airports Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown**
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Wednesday that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will reduce flight capacity by 10% at 40 high-volume locations starting Friday. The move is described as a “proactive” measure addressing significant staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, who are under increasing pressure and are approaching a month without pay due to the government shutdown.
### Impact of the Government Shutdown
Since the government shutdown began on October 1, there has been a noticeable increase in staffing shortages. This has led to more delays and cancellations at airports across the United States. The current shutdown, now lasting 36 days, is the longest in American history.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford addressed the media, explaining that the agency will collaborate closely with airlines to determine how the reduction will be implemented. He emphasized that further actions could be taken if staffing conditions worsen.
> “The data is telling us we need to do more, and we are going to do more,” Bedford said at the press conference. “I want to reassure American travelers that it is absolutely safe to fly in American skies.”
Bedford, drawing on his 35 years of industry experience, noted that he had never seen a measure like this before, calling the current situation “new territory” for the agency.
### Industry Reaction
Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, commented on the FAA’s decision in a statement:
> “The decision to reduce scheduled flight capacity, while necessary to keep our skies safe, will inevitably affect the travel experience, leading to fewer flights, longer delays, and more disruptions for travelers. All government shutdowns are irresponsible, and this decision underscores the urgent need to reopen the government.”
### Uncertainty Over Specific Flight Cuts
While it is not yet clear how flight reductions will be implemented or which flights will be affected, the impact is expected to be significant. For example, if a 10% reduction is applied at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Friday, it could result in the cancellation of 121 flights and affect 14,524 seats, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.
Aviation industry expert Cudahy advised travelers to monitor their flight status closely:
> “If I have a flight this weekend or next week, I would definitely be concerned about whether that’s going to take off and especially take off on time.”
He expects additional information to be released soon and recommends that travelers stay updated with their airlines via official apps for the latest updates.
### FAA’s Official Response
When reached for comment, the FAA provided an automatic reply that echoed Secretary Duffy’s earlier statements:
> “As Secretary Duffy has said, there have been increased staffing shortages across the system. When that happens, the FAA slows traffic into some airports to ensure safe operations.”
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**Travelers are advised to keep a close eye on communications from airlines and airport authorities for the latest information on flight statuses as the situation evolves.**
https://www.businessinsider.com/faa-cuts-flights-capacity-busiest-markets-safety-government-shutdown-2025-11
