US Airlines Cancel Over 1,000 Flights Amid FAA Shutdown Order – More Disruptions Expected
Washington (Nov 10, 2025) — Thousands of travelers across the United States faced flight disruptions on Friday as airlines canceled more than 1,000 flights in compliance with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shutdown order.
Although major airlines managed to maintain most of their scheduled flights, nervousness remains high as the FAA’s directive to reduce air traffic takes effect at the country’s busiest airports.
The government shutdown, now approaching a full month, has severely affected air traffic controllers who have gone unpaid for weeks. Many have begun calling out of work due to mounting financial strain, forcing the FAA to cut flight operations to ensure safety.
The cancellations, while significant, currently account for a small percentage of total U.S. flights. However, passengers traveling through major hubs like Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, and Charlotte are still facing long security lines and sudden schedule changes.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that if the shutdown continues beyond next week and more controllers miss paychecks, cancellations could rise from 10% to as high as 20%.
For now, international flights remain unaffected, and airlines expect only limited disruptions over the weekend. Still, uncertainty looms large as the FAA and federal workers await a resolution to the budget standoff.
