Travelers across the United States are facing significant disruptions as the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has implemented flight capacity cuts at 40 major airports. This decision stems from staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, exacerbated by the ongoing federal government shutdown. As of Saturday morning, more than 10,844 flights have been delayed and 1,110 canceled nationwide, according to data from FlightAware.
The situation is particularly dire at airports such as San Diego International Airport, which reported 10 flight delays and 13 cancellations as of 7 a.m. on Saturday. The DOT noted that last weekend alone saw 2,740 flight delays, and without a resolution to the government shutdown, conditions are expected to worsen.
Details on Capacity Reductions and Safety Measures
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Wednesday that flight capacity would be reduced in stages, starting with a 4% cut on Friday, followed by 6% on Tuesday, 8% the following Thursday, and reaching 10% by next Friday. This measure aims to alleviate pressure on air traffic facilities that are experiencing “staffing triggers” due to the ongoing situation, where controllers continue to work without pay.
In a statement, Duffy emphasized the importance of safety, stating, “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. 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.”
Restrictions are not limited to passenger flights; the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also imposed limits on commercial space launches and reentries, confining such activities to the hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time. Additionally, parachute operations and photo missions near the affected airports are prohibited.
Impact on Airlines and Travelers
Airports affected by the capacity cuts include major hubs like Los Angeles International Airport, which experienced 20 flight delays and 19 cancellations as of the same reporting time. The situation at Ontario International Airport remained stable, with no delays or cancellations reported.
Airlines are proactively communicating with passengers about potential impacts on their travel plans. United Airlines has alerted customers that it is updating its schedule and allows anyone flying between November 6 and 13 to request a refund or reschedule their flights at no charge. Similarly, Southwest Airlines reassured travelers that “the vast majority” would not be affected but offered cost-free adjustments for those with flights booked through Wednesday, regardless of whether their flights are impacted.
Delta Air Lines has also advised customers about the upcoming flight reductions and provided guidance on how to change or cancel flights without incurring fees. Frontier Airlines indicated that it anticipates most of its flights to operate as scheduled but will keep passengers informed about any changes.
As the federal shutdown continues, travelers should stay informed through their airlines and be prepared for ongoing disruptions in air travel.
