U.S. Orders 10% Flight Cuts Amid Record Government Shutdown, Airlines Brace for Disruption

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Wednesday that 10% of flights at 40 major U.S. airports will be reduced starting Friday if Congress fails to end the record-breaking federal government shutdown. Now in its 36th day, the shutdown has left 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA agents working without pay, worsening staff shortages, flight delays, and long security lines across the country.

Duffy said the move aims to ease pressure on overworked air traffic controllers. While the affected airports were not named, the reduction will likely hit the 30 busiest hubs—including those in New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Dallas—cutting around 1,800 flights and over 268,000 passenger seats, according to Cirium data. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned more restrictions could follow if the crisis persists.

Airlines for America, representing major carriers such as Delta, United, American, and Southwest, said it is working with federal authorities to understand the reduction plan and minimize disruption for passengers and shippers. The FAA was expected to meet airlines Wednesday evening to discuss implementation details.

The shutdown, which began on October 1, has paralyzed government services, furloughed around 750,000 employees, and left many Americans without essential assistance. The political standoff between Republicans and Democrats over health insurance subsidies and spending priorities has shown little sign of resolution.

Duffy warned that if the shutdown extends another week, it could cause “mass chaos” in U.S. airspace and force closures of some sectors. Airlines, already facing growing safety concerns, have urged a swift end to the impasse. Shares of United and American Airlines fell about 1% in after-hours trading as the industry braces for deeper operational and financial strain amid rising flight delays and cancellations.