On November 7, 2025, major airports in the United States experienced a 4% reduction in flights as a result of the government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented this measure to alleviate pressure on air traffic controllers, many of whom have been working without pay during the shutdown. While nonessential employees were furloughed, essential workers, including air traffic controllers, continued their duties.

As of November 7, 2025, 4% of flights were canceled across 40 high-volume airports, including major hubs such as Atlanta, New York, Chicago O'Hare, Los Angeles International, and Dallas/Fort Worth. The FAA plans to increase this reduction to 10% by November 14, 2025, if the shutdown persists. The FAA, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and airlines are coordinating to determine which flights and routes will be affected, aiming to minimize disruption for travelers.

The cancellations primarily target domestic flights, with international routes remaining unaffected for the time being. For instance, American Airlines plans to reduce its daily flights from Miami to Orlando from nine to eight. Regional flights are also expected to see reductions, although the FAA has stated that it will not eliminate flights to specific markets entirely.

Passengers can expect increased occupancy on existing flights, although the timing of the shutdown coincides with a period of lower travel demand before Thanksgiving. This situation may allow for easier accommodation of passengers from canceled flights onto other services. However, travelers should anticipate longer delays due to the limited number of air traffic controllers available to manage flights safely.

The impact on airlines is currently manageable, as the 4% reduction is evenly distributed among major carriers. However, the broader air transport sector, which contributes approximately $1.3 trillion to the U.S. GDP and supports around 7.6 million jobs, may face significant long-term consequences if the situation continues. The potential for a 10% reduction during the holiday season could exacerbate challenges for airlines and related businesses.

Consumer behavior may shift as travelers reconsider their options. Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines, noted a decline in bookings, with some travelers opting to postpone or reschedule their plans. For trips of 500 to 600 miles, driving may become a more attractive alternative.

Compensation for canceled flights typically depends on whether the airline had control over the situation. The U.S. Department of Transportation has established a dashboard to inform passengers about airline policies regarding cancellations and delays. However, delays caused by air traffic control staffing shortages are not considered within the airlines' control, leaving compensation decisions to individual carriers. Many airlines have announced flexible policies allowing customers to change flights or request refunds without penalties.

Historically, significant disruptions in air travel, such as those following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic, have led to temporary changes in consumer travel behavior. Travelers are advised to download airline and airport apps for real-time updates, consider booking flights a day earlier, avoid connections, and refrain from checking bags when possible to mitigate potential inconveniences.