Despite a key breakthrough in ending the government shutdown agreement reached by the United States Senate, as of Monday afternoon (November 10th), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not yet lifted the emergency order to reduce flights at 40 major airports, which was previously issued. Airline passengers will continue to face large-scale flight cancellations and delays this week.
Last week, due to factors such as air traffic controllers being unpaid during the federal government shutdown, staff shortages, and fatigue caused by excessive overtime, the FAA ordered major airlines to reduce domestic flights by 4% daily at 40 major airports nationwide to maximize aviation safety.
According to the plan, the flight reduction rate will increase to 6% on Tuesday (November 11th), 8% on Thursday (November 13th), and 10% on Friday (November 14th).
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the order will only be lifted by FAA when safety data indicates it’s appropriate.
Duffy warned in an interview with Fox News last week that if the funding deadlock and staffing issues persist, the future flight reduction rate may escalate to 20%.
He further emphasized on CNN on Sunday (November 9th) that during this federal government shutdown period, as many as 15 to 20 controllers are choosing to retire daily, exacerbating FAA’s challenge to replenish frontline safety control staff.
As of Monday afternoon, FAA has not revoked the emergency order, nor disclosed plans for phased removal. Since the emergency order requires airlines to reduce flights seven days in advance, air travelers this week will not be able to avoid the impact of flight cancellations.
David Seymour, Chief Operating Officer of American Airlines, notified employees on Monday that the company will continue to comply with FAA’s directive and has made adjustments to flights in the coming days.
Data from aviation analysis company Cirium on Monday morning showed that approximately 800 flights scheduled for Tuesday have already been canceled, accounting for about 3.6% of the total planned flights; about 260 flights for Wednesday (November 12th) have been canceled so far.
On the recent Sunday (November 9th), about 2630 flights were canceled, accounting for approximately 10%, making it one of the most severe days for flight cancellations since January 2024.
Duffy noted on Fox News last week that even if the funding interruption crisis concludes, it will still take several days or even a week for airlines to resume normal flight operations.