Over 700 U.S. Flights Canceled as FAA-Ordered Cuts Begin

More than 700 U.S. flights were canceled on Friday after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered airlines to reduce operations amid the ongoing government shutdown, now in its second month. The directive, affecting 40 major airports, has triggered one of the largest nationwide air travel disruptions in recent memory.

The FAA’s decision comes as air traffic controllers, working without pay during the prolonged shutdown, face severe staffing shortages. The move has led to congestion at major hubs including Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, Newark Liberty, and San Francisco International, disrupting thousands of passengers.

According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, roughly 780 flights were canceled by 2 p.m. ET, representing 3% of Friday’s total schedule. The Department of Transportation (DOT) warned that cancellations could rise as the FAA increases flight cuts incrementally, 4% Friday, 6% by Tuesday, 8% by Thursday, and 10% by November 14.

Airlines scrambled to adjust schedules and reposition crews. American Airlines canceled 221 flights on Friday, while United Airlines and Delta Air Lines reported moderate disruptions but prioritized hub-to-hub and long-haul international routes. “We’ve done our best to minimize the impact, but this level of cancellation is going to grow over time,” said American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, voicing frustration over the prolonged impasse.

Private aviation flights were largely spared from mandatory cuts, but the FAA warned that high-impact general aviation airports could still see up to 10% reductions due to staffing limits.

Impacted Airports (FAA & DOT Order)

ANC – Anchorage International
ATL – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
BOS – Boston Logan International
BWI – Baltimore/Washington International
CLT – Charlotte Douglas International
CVG – Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International
DAL – Dallas Love Field
DCA – Ronald Reagan Washington National
DEN – Denver International
DFW – Dallas/Fort Worth International
DTW – Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
EWR – Newark Liberty International
FLL – Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International
HNL – Honolulu International
HOU – Houston Hobby
IAD – Washington Dulles International
IAH – George Bush Intercontinental (Houston)
IND – Indianapolis International
JFK – New York John F. Kennedy International
LAS – Las Vegas McCarran International
LAX – Los Angeles International
LGA – New York LaGuardia
MCO – Orlando International
MDW – Chicago Midway
MEM – Memphis International
MIA – Miami International
MSP – Minneapolis–St. Paul International
OAK – Oakland International
ONT – Ontario International
ORD – Chicago O’Hare International
PDX – Portland International
PHL – Philadelphia International
PHX – Phoenix Sky Harbor International
SAN – San Diego International
SDF – Louisville International
SEA – Seattle–Tacoma International
SFO – San Francisco International
SLC – Salt Lake City International
TEB – Teterboro
TPA – Tampa International

The order also warned that private jets operating through Teterboro (New Jersey), Houston Hobby, and Dallas Love Field may face landing denials or longer wait times due to staffing limits.

Travel analysts say the financial toll could be mixed, limited flights may lift ticket prices temporarily but dampen overall booking demand. “This situation is likely to weigh on near-term travel sentiment,” said Scott Group, analyst at Wolfe Research.

Meanwhile, rental car company Hertz reported a 20% spike in one-way bookings over the past two days, suggesting stranded passengers are seeking ground alternatives.

Travel experts advise passengers to stay flexible, check airline apps frequently, and arrive early. AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz urged travelers to avoid checked luggage and consider rebooking proactively. However, travel insurance may not guarantee refunds for shutdown-related disruptions, depending on the airline’s stated cause of delay.

As the shutdown drags on without a resolution, aviation executives warn that mounting stress on the system could threaten the reliability of U.S. air travel heading into the busy Thanksgiving holiday season.