FAA staffing cuts prompt flight reductions at 40 U.S. airports
By Matteo Floris
Last updated on 9 February 2026
A nationwide schedule reduction is being implemented to ease air traffic control staffing strain during the U.S. government shutdown. From Friday, 40 major U.S. airports will cut flights by 4%, with planned increases to 6% by Nov. 11, 8% by Nov. 13, and 10% by Nov. 14 if the shutdown persists. Early impacts included over 1,800 delays and more than 800 cancellations by early Friday, plus 600+ Saturday cancellations. Airlines including United, Delta, American, and JetBlue introduced flexible rebooking and refund options. Travelers should check status, rebook promptly, and arrive early.
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A nationwide reduction in U.S. flight schedules is being implemented to manage air traffic control staffing strain during the ongoing government shutdown. Starting Friday, flights at 40 of the busiest airports will be reduced by 4%, with planned increases to 6% by Nov. 11, 8% by Nov. 13, and 10% by Nov. 14 if the shutdown continues. Officials stated the measures are intended to maintain safety by easing controller workload.
Early impacts were significant: by early Friday afternoon there were more than 1,800 delays within, into, or out of the United States and over 800 cancellations, with more than 600 flights already canceled for Saturday. Travelers are advised to check flight status frequently, rebook quickly if affected, and arrive earlier than usual. At Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, security wait times were expected to exceed one hour.
Airlines have introduced flexible policies to assist customers. United created a dedicated page listing cancellations under the directive and is offering refunds to any passenger who chooses not to travel, even if their route isn’t directly affected. Delta, American, and JetBlue have adopted similar measures, including fee-free changes and refunds where applicable.
The 40 affected airports include: Chicago Midway (MDW) and O’Hare (ORD); Detroit (DTW); Indianapolis (IND); Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP); Baltimore/Washington (BWI); Boston (BOS); Newark (EWR); New York JFK (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA); Philadelphia (PHL); Reagan National (DCA) and Dulles (IAD); Teterboro (TEB); Charlotte (CLT); Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (CVG); Dallas Love Field (DAL) and Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW); Fort Lauderdale (FLL); Houston Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and Hobby (HOU); Atlanta (ATL); Louisville (SDF); Memphis (MEM); Miami (MIA); Orlando (MCO); Tampa (TPA); Denver (DEN); Las Vegas (LAS); Los Angeles (LAX); Oakland (OAK); Ontario (ONT); Phoenix (PHX); Portland (PDX); Salt Lake City (SLC); San Diego (SAN); San Francisco (SFO); Seattle–Tacoma (SEA); Honolulu (HNL); and Anchorage (ANC).
Passengers should monitor their bookings closely and use airline rebooking and refund options as needed, especially if traveling through one of the listed airports. Arriving early may help mitigate longer checkpoint lines and potential delays during this period of reduced flight operations.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights:
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Disruption:
Delays and Cancellations
Cause:
Other
Compensation:
Not eligible for compensation
Status:
Current disruption
Airlines affected:
United, Delta, American, JetBlue
Airports affected:
Chicago Midway, O’Hare, Detroit, Indianapolis, Minneapolis–St. Paul, Baltimore/Washington, Boston, Newark, New York JFK, LaGuardia, Philadelphia, Reagan National, Dulles, Teterboro, Charlotte, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, Dallas Love Field, Dallas–Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale, Houston Bush Intercontinental, Hobby, Atlanta, Louisville, Memphis, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Ontario, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle–Tacoma, Honolulu, Anchorage
Checked by:
Matteo Floris
Date updated:
9 February 2026
