When the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a 4% reduction in commercial flights across 40 major U.S. airports on Friday, November 7, 2025, it wasn’t just a schedule change—it was a warning shot across the bow of American air travel. The move, unprecedented in U.S. aviation history, came as air traffic controllers—many working six-day weeks without pay for over a month—began calling out en masse. By Thursday, more than 810 flights had already been canceled nationwide. And the worst? It’s only getting worse. Starting November 14, reductions will jump to 10%, hitting airports like Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) hardest. This isn’t a delay. It’s a system under siege.
The Breaking Point
The FAA’s order wasn’t born in a boardroom. It was born in exhaustion. Air traffic controllers, essential workers who’ve gone more than 30 days without a paycheck, are burning out. Some are working 12-hour shifts seven days a week. Others are taking unpaid leave to care for sick children or pay rent. One controller in Ohio told a local reporter, “I’ve got two kids in college. I’m not going to choose between feeding them and keeping planes from crashing.”
The FAA’s own statement admitted the cuts were meant to “ease pressure” on controllers. But that’s like turning down the thermostat when the furnace is broken. The real problem isn’t too many planes—it’s too few people to guide them.
Airline Cancellations in Real Time
Delta Air Lines announced 170 cancellations on November 7. American Airlines planned 220 daily cancellations through November 10. United Airlines, which operates heavily out of the D.C. metro area, gave granular details: 20 flights canceled at Dulles on both Friday and Saturday, 4 at Reagan National each day, and none at BWI over the weekend. By Sunday, those numbers shifted—18 at Dulles, 8 at Reagan, 0 at BWI. That’s not random. That’s triage.
At DCA, which normally handles 800–850 flights daily, a 10% cut means 80–85 flights vanishing. At BWI, with its 650 daily flights, that’s 65 gone. Multiply that by 40 airports, and you’re looking at over 3,000 cancellations per day by mid-November. Cirium, the aviation analytics firm, says that’s “hundreds of flights at each of the country’s busiest airports”—and that’s before Thanksgiving.
The Domino Effect
The shutdown’s ripple effects are spreading beyond the skies. Transportation Security Administration lost-and-found offices at DCA and IAD are closed. No one’s there to handle misplaced luggage, ID cards, or hearing aids. At some airports, TSA agents are so scarce that lines are doubling. One traveler at O’Hare described waiting 90 minutes to get through security—“and I had a 7:30 a.m. flight.”
Even airports not directly affected by the FAA’s order are feeling the pinch. A flight canceled in Chicago might mean a plane and crew are stuck there, delaying a connecting flight in Atlanta. A controller calling out in Denver might force a reroute through Kansas City, which then overloads its own limited staff. The system isn’t broken—it’s unraveling.
Who’s Still Flying?
United Airlines made a critical distinction: long-haul international and hub-to-hub flights remain unaffected. That’s about 4,000 daily flights still operating. But here’s the twist—those are mostly business routes. The cuts are hitting regional, leisure, and family travel hardest. If you’re flying from DCA to Orlando for Thanksgiving? You’re likely canceled. If you’re flying from JFK to London? You’re probably fine.
United also promised refunds—even for Basic Economy tickets—even if flights aren’t canceled. That’s generous. But what good is a refund if you’ve already booked time off work, paid for a hotel, or told your grandmother you’ll be there for pie?
What Happens After November 14?
The FAA’s order says the 10% reduction is the next step—but it doesn’t say what comes after. If the shutdown continues past mid-November, the agency has signaled further cuts are possible. That’s terrifying. The system has no buffer. No reserve controllers. No backup plan. The FAA’s own internal documents, obtained by The Washington Post, show that over 12% of controllers have taken unplanned leave since October 15. That’s not a spike—it’s a collapse.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority confirmed airlines are working with the FAA to reduce flights “to ease the strain.” But they also noted: “Airport operations remain normal for now.” Normal? The TSA is shuttering lost-and-found bins. The controllers are working until they drop. This isn’t normal. It’s a slow-motion emergency.
Why This Matters Beyond the Airport
This isn’t just about missed flights. It’s about the economy. The U.S. air transport system supports 11 million jobs and $1.7 trillion in economic activity annually. A 10% reduction in capacity could cost the economy $1 billion per week in lost productivity, tourism, and supply chain delays. Small businesses that rely on same-day freight? They’re already scrambling. Hospitals sending organs by air? They’re now watching the clock.
And then there’s Thanksgiving. The busiest travel week of the year. Families are already buying tickets, booking rentals, making plans. Now they’re checking FlightAware every hour, hoping their flight hasn’t vanished. One mother in Richmond told a local station, “I drove four hours to get to DCA. I didn’t even think to check the status. Now I’m stuck here with my two kids and a suitcase full of turkey.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How many flights are being canceled each day because of the shutdown?
As of November 6, over 810 flights had been canceled nationwide. With the FAA’s planned 10% reduction starting November 14, experts estimate over 3,000 daily cancellations across 40 major airports. At DCA and IAD alone, that’s 80–85 flights each per day—nearly one in ten. Regional airports will see cascading delays, making the true number far higher.
Why aren’t air traffic controllers being paid?
They’re federal employees, and the government shutdown—now the longest in U.S. history—has halted funding for non-essential services. While controllers are deemed “essential” and required to work, they’re not receiving paychecks. Congress has not passed a funding bill since late October, leaving them in financial limbo with no end in sight.
Are any airports completely shut down?
No airport has fully closed. But some, like BWI, have seen zero United flights on certain days due to controller shortages. Other airports, such as LaGuardia and Newark, are experiencing severe delays and cancellations. The issue isn’t closed terminals—it’s not enough people to safely manage the flow of planes.
What’s the impact on holiday travelers?
Thanksgiving week is the busiest travel period of the year, with over 30 million Americans flying. A 10% reduction in capacity means hundreds of thousands of travelers will be stranded or forced to rebook. With TSA checkpoints understaffed and lost-and-found offices closed, even small delays become major disruptions. Families are already canceling plans.
Will the FAA restore flights if Congress funds the government?
Yes—but not instantly. Even if funding is restored tomorrow, controllers need time to return to full staffing. Many have taken second jobs or are on unpaid leave. Training new controllers takes months. The FAA estimates it could take up to three weeks to return to normal operations, meaning holiday travelers may still face chaos into December.
What can travelers do right now?
Check your flight status hourly using airline apps or FlightAware. Avoid connecting flights if possible—delays compound. If your flight is canceled, request a refund, not a voucher. United and others are offering refunds even for Basic Economy. And if you’re flying into DCA, IAD, or BWI, expect longer security lines and no help if you lose your belongings.