What to expect from flight delays as air travel reductions begins
By Easton Martin | November 6, 2025
Air travelers across the United States should prepare for increased delays and cancellations in the coming days as the Federal Aviation Administration begins temporary cuts to flight capacity during the ongoing government shutdown. The FAA announced that it will reduce the number of flights allowed in and out of 40 major U.S. airport markets in order to avoid safety risks tied to air traffic controller staffing shortages. Many controllers have been working extended hours without pay since the shutdown began, and agency officials say the system cannot safely continue at full volume.
The cuts will first appear as small reductions but are expected to grow to roughly 10 percent of daily flights if the shutdown continues. The affected airports include major hubs in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Because most of the nation’s air traffic flows through large hubs, the effects will ripple to smaller regional airports, even if those airports are not directly included in the reduction plan.
Travelers should expect longer taxi times, more time spent waiting for takeoff or landing clearance, and more frequent rolling delays. Airlines may also cancel some lower priority or lower volume flights outright in order to comply with reduced capacity limits. Even flights that depart on time may cause missed connections, since delays compound across the system as the day progresses.
Passengers with upcoming travel are advised to check flight status often, arrive at the airport earlier than usual, and build flexibility into their travel plans. Airlines have begun offering limited rebooking options and may expand those policies if disruptions escalate. Those traveling for events, business, or other time-sensitive commitments may want to consider earlier flights, nonstop options, or alternate travel arrangements where possible.
While the reductions are temporary, there is no clear end date. Until funding negotiations are resolved in Washington, the nation’s air travel system will operate with less margin and greater risk of disruption.
