US Orders 10% Flight Cut at 40 Airports as Record Shutdown Strains Air Traffic System

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Wednesday ordered a 10% reduction in flights at 40 major airports, citing mounting air traffic control safety risks as the government shutdown entered its 36th day — the longest in US history.

The abrupt directive has forced airlines to slash schedules within 36 hours, triggering a surge in passenger calls and concerns over widespread travel disruption. Duffy said the cuts could be reversed if Democrats agree to reopen the government.

The shutdown has left 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA agents working without pay, deepening staff shortages that have already delayed tens of thousands of flights and affected an estimated 3.2 million passengers.

“We had a gut check of what our job is,” Duffy said, pointing to a confidential safety review on controller fatigue and performance. “We have to make hard decisions to keep the airspace safe.”

According to industry sources, the Federal Aviation Administration told airlines the reductions will begin at 4% and rise to 10% next week, with international flights exempted. The cuts are expected to hit the country’s 30 busiest airports, including New York, Washington, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Dallas — potentially grounding 1,800 flights and eliminating 268,000 seats, aviation data firm Cirium estimated.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the move was necessary to stop conditions from “deteriorating,” warning further restrictions may follow if staffing levels worsen.

Airlines for America, which represents major carriers including Delta, United, American and Southwest, said it was reviewing the mandate. “We will work to limit the impact on passengers and shippers,” the group said.

The standoff in Congress over funding — with Democrats demanding the extension of health insurance subsidies and Republicans refusing — has shut down much of the federal government since Oct. 1, furloughing 750,000 workers and cutting food aid to low-income families.

Duffy had warned earlier this week that the aviation system was nearing “mass chaos” and that parts of US airspace could be closed entirely if the shutdown persisted.

Airline stocks slipped about 1% in after-hours trading. More than 2,100 flights were delayed on Wednesday alone, and industry executives warn bookings could soon fall if uncertainty continues.

The FAA is already 3,500 controllers short of its staffing target, with many working six-day weeks before the shutdown. Bedford said up to 40% of controllers at top airports have stopped reporting for duty.

Space launches and general aviation flights are also set to face new limits as the crisis deepens.