Beginning Friday, November 7, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will implement a 10% reduction in air traffic across 40 major U.S. airports, part of a broader set of “airspace restrictions” announced by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.
“One of them, though, is going to be that there is going to be a 10% reduction in capacity at 40 of our locations,” Duffy said during a press conference Wednesday. “This will impact roughly 4,000 flights nationwide.”
The decision follows growing concerns over staffing shortages and safety risks within the FAA, where 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA officers continue to work without pay. The shutdown, now over five weeks long, has led to mounting fatigue and absenteeism across key air-traffic control facilities.
According to the FAA, reductions will begin at 4% on Friday and ramp up to 10% by next week, affecting flights between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. local time. The measures are designed to “take pressure off controllers” and maintain safety across the national airspace system.
Traveler Recommendations
Travelers with upcoming flights to, from, or routed through the affected airports may experience delays or cancellations as airlines adjust their schedules.
We recommend:
- Downloading your airline’s mobile app and turning on notifications for real-time updates; many have already offered preemptive refunds or fee-free rescheduling.
- Following your home airport on social media for local advisories and ground delay information.
- Speaking with your travel advisor if your tickets were booked through one—advisors are receiving ongoing updates directly from carriers and can assist with alternative routing or rebooking.
In situations like this, travel insurance is essential. We’re fans of Faye Travel Insurance, or at minimum, using a premium travel credit card such as American Express for booking airfare, nonrefundable hotels, car rentals, transfers, and tours.
Note: Credit card coverage typically applies only to standard travel expenses. For coverage on concerts, sports tickets, tee times, or other nonrefundable event bookings, check directly with your travel insurance provider.
Airports Impacted by FAA Reductions
Anchorage International
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
Boston Logan International
Baltimore/Washington International
Charlotte Douglas International
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International
Dallas Love Field
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Denver International
Dallas/Fort Worth International
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
Newark Liberty International
Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International
Honolulu International
Houston Hobby
Washington Dulles International
George Bush Houston Intercontinental
Indianapolis International
New York John F. Kennedy International
Las Vegas McCarran International
Los Angeles International
New York LaGuardia
Orlando International
Chicago Midway International
Memphis International
Miami International
Minneapolis–St. Paul International
Oakland International
Ontario International
Chicago O’Hare International
Portland International
Philadelphia International
Phoenix Sky Harbor International
San Diego International
Louisville International
Seattle/Tacoma International
San Francisco International
Salt Lake City International
Teterboro (NJ)
Tampa International
If you have upcoming travel, double-check your itinerary and make sure your contact details are current with your airline. Staying proactive now can help minimize surprises once the reductions begin.
If you’d like help reviewing your trip, confirming coverage, or planning upcoming travel, you can schedule a complimentary consultation call.
Sources: FAA announcement; Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy press conference via Fox Business (Nov 5 2025); ABC News; CBS News; and PEOPLE Magazine (Nov 6 2025).
