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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).
