US airports shutdown: 40 airports that will be impacted

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned on Wednesday that he would order 10% of flights at 40 major US airports to be cut starting Friday --- unless lawmakers reach a deal to end the federal government shutdown.

Written by Anwesha Mitra

November 6, 2025 09:33 IST

US govt shutdown prompts airspace curbs, thousands of flights to be cancelled

The US imposed airspace restrictions over several key locations on Thursday as a record-setting government shutdown entered Day 36 with no end in sight. Thousands of flights will be cancelled from Friday comply with the 10% reduction in flight capacity — a bid to relive exhausted air traffic controllers. The shutdown has led to severe staff shortages and caused widespread flight delays as tens of thousands of air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration agents are forced to work without pay.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned on Wednesday that he would order 10% of flights at 40 major US airports to be cut starting Friday — unless lawmakers reach a deal to end the federal government shutdown. The decision is likely to impact approximately 4,000 flights nationwide. The official list of affected airports will be released on Thursday.

What are the affected routes?

According to a Reuters report, the cuts are expected to hit at least 30 of the busiest airports in America. This will likely include those serving New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Dallas. Aviation analytics firm Cirium suggests that the move would reduce as many as 1800 flights and more than 268,000 airline seats.

The Federal Aviation Administration has reportedly told major US carriers that capacity reduction at airports would begin with a 4% dip. This would rise to 5% by Saturday and then reach 6% on Sunday — before eventually reaching the 10% mark by next week. Sources told Reuters that the FAA also plans to exempt international flights from the cuts.

Which airports are expected to face cuts?

According to an ABC News update, there are 40 airports that will be facing the airspace curbs from tomorrow. This includes Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International — the busiest airport in the country — and several hubs including LAX, JFK, Dallas Forth Worth and Denver international.