INTERNATIONAL

Over 5,000 U.S. Flights Disrupted as Government Shutdown Forces Air Traffic Cuts

• 08 Nov 2025

More than 5,000 flights across the United States were canceled or delayed as the ongoing government shutdown forced airlines to reduce air traffic at major airports.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered a 4 percent cut in flights at 40 key airports, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., to alleviate pressure on unpaid air traffic controllers and other essential staff.

Officials warned that the reductions could increase to 10 percent next week and potentially 20 percent if the shutdown continues. Despite the domestic disruptions, international flights remain unaffected, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

The shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history, has also impacted food aid programs and other federal services nationwide, highlighting the wide-ranging effects of the government closure.

Airlines and passengers are being urged to monitor schedules closely, as further cancellations and delays are expected if the shutdown persists.