FAA Announces 10% Air Traffic Reduction at Major Airports to Enhance Safety

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy (left) and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford announced Wednesday that the FAA will reduce air traffic at many busy airports to maintain safety during the government shutdown, which has led to staffing shortages of air traffic controllers.

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Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration will reduce air traffic by 10% at many busy airports, the agency said Wednesday, in a move intended to keep the nation’s airspace safe during the government shutdown.

The FAA plans to reduce air traffic in 40 “high-volume markets” beginning on Friday. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford told reporters the agency wants to reduce the pressure at those airports before safety is compromised.

“We just can’t ignore it,” Bedford said, “when the early indicators are telling us we can take action today to prevent things from deteriorating.”

The FAA has already been delaying flights at some airports because of widespread staffing shortages among air traffic controllers.

The government shutdown, now in its sixth week, has taken a growing toll on those controllers, who are required to work without pay until it ends. Some have taken on second jobs, and many are calling out sick. Even before the shutdown, the system was more than 3,000 certified controllers short.

Bedford and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy say they would meet with airline leaders to figure out how to implement the reductions fairly before announcing the details.

They did not immediately announce which airports would be affected by the reductions. But the agency has been reporting persistent staffing shortages at air traffic control facilities around some of the nation’s busiest airports, including major airline hubs in Dallas, Houston, Newark, N.J., and Phoenix.

Earlier this week, NPR spoke to several air traffic controllers who say morale at the agency was already low before the government shutdown, due to a longstanding staffing shortage across the system, mandatory overtime and stagnating wages. They said morale has fallen even lower during the longest government shutdown on record. They asked NPR not to use their names because they’re afraid of retaliation from the FAA.

“I think we’re reaching a tipping point,” said one air traffic controller who works at a facility in the Midwest that handles high-altitude traffic. “This is kind of about the point in the last shutdown where people just started getting fed up with it.”

It was more than a month into the last government shutdown in 2018 and 2019 when a small number of air traffic controllers in a few key facilities called in sick, causing major disruptions at airports up and down the East Coast.

The reductions announced on Wednesday could cause even more disruption, forcing airlines to cancel or reschedule thousands of flights per day.

Secretary Duffy acknowledged that will likely cause widespread frustration. But he said the decision was not taken lightly.

“Our heart goes out to those who will have flights disrupted,” said Duffy. “This is what we feel like we have to do to make sure we maintain that safety profile.”

Bedford said he could not recall a similar situation during his 35 years working in aviation.

“Then again, we’re in a new territory in terms of government shutdowns,” Bedford said. “And we look forward to a time when we can get back to business as usual.”

What specific measures is the FAA taking to address the staffing shortages of air traffic controllers?

Understanding the FAA’s New Initiative for Airspace Safety

On November 6, 2025, the Federal aviation Management (FAA) announced a temporary, but notable, reduction in air traffic – approximately 10% – at several major US airports. This proactive measure is designed to bolster aviation safety and address recent concerns regarding near-miss incidents and operational pressures within the National Airspace System (NAS). The reduction impacts flight schedules across key hubs, prompting questions from travelers and industry professionals alike.This article delves into the specifics of the FAA’s decision, its potential impact, and what passengers can expect.

Airports Affected & Timeline

The initial phase of the air traffic reduction focuses on airports experiencing the highest density of operations and those identified as having the most potential for safety vulnerabilities. Currently confirmed airports include:

* Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

* O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – Chicago

* Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

* Denver International Airport (DEN)

* Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

The FAA has indicated this is a dynamic situation and the list of affected airports may expand or contract based on ongoing assessments. The 10% reduction is slated to remain in effect for a minimum of 30 days,with a review scheduled for December 6,2025,to determine if an extension or modification is necessary. This timeframe allows for a thorough evaluation of the impact on flight delays and overall system performance.

Root Causes: Why the Reduction Now?

Several factors contributed to the FAA’s decision. A surge in air travel demand post-pandemic has placed unprecedented strain on the NAS. Simultaneously, a series of near-miss incidents – including runway incursions and loss of separation – have raised serious concerns.

Key contributing factors include:

* Staffing Shortages: The FAA, like many aviation organizations, has faced challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified air traffic controllers.

* Aging Infrastructure: Some air traffic control systems and equipment are nearing the end of their operational lifespan, requiring modernization.

* Increased Complexity: The introduction of new aircraft types and evolving flight procedures add to the complexity of managing air traffic.

* Weather-Related Disruptions: increasingly frequent and severe weather events contribute to congestion and potential safety hazards.

The FAA emphasizes this reduction isn’t a reaction to a single event, but a preventative measure to address systemic vulnerabilities and enhance airspace management.

Impact on Travelers: What to Expect

Passengers traveling through affected airports should anticipate potential disruptions. The 10% reduction translates to fewer available flights, which could lead to:

* Increased Flight Cancellations: Airlines may proactively cancel flights to manage capacity and minimize delays.

* Longer Wait Times: expect longer queues at check-in, security checkpoints, and baggage claim.

* Higher Ticket Prices: Reduced capacity often leads to increased demand and subsequently, higher fares.

* Potential for Delays: Even flights that aren’t canceled may experience delays due to congestion.

Practical Tips for Passengers:

1. Check Flight Status Regularly: Monitor your flight status with your airline and through flight tracking websites (FlightAware, FlightStats).
2. Allow Extra Time: Arrive at the airport significantly earlier than usual – at least 3 hours for domestic flights and 4 hours for international flights.
3. Consider Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against potential disruptions with comprehensive travel insurance.
4. Pack Essentials in Carry-On: In case of baggage delays, pack essential medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag.
5. Stay Informed: Follow the FAA and your airline on social media for real-time updates.

FAA Modernization Efforts & Long-Term Solutions

The FAA is actively pursuing several long-term initiatives to address the underlying causes of the current situation. these include:

* NextGen Implementation: Accelerating the rollout of NextGen technologies, which utilize satellite-based navigation and data communications to improve air traffic control.

* Controller Hiring & Training: Aggressively recruiting and training new air traffic controllers to address staffing shortages. The FAA is offering incentives and streamlining the hiring process.

* Infrastructure Upgrades: Investing in upgrades to aging air traffic control systems and equipment.

* collaboration with Airlines: Working closely with airlines to optimize flight schedules and improve operational efficiency.

* Runway Safety Technology: Implementing advanced runway safety technologies, such as Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model X (ASDE-X), to prevent runway incursions.

Real-World Example: Lessons from Previous Disruptions

The summer of 2023 saw significant air travel disruptions due to a combination of factors, including weather and staffing shortages. This experience highlighted the fragility of the NAS and the importance of proactive measures. Airlines and the FAA learned valuable lessons about communication, passenger support, and the need for greater resilience in the face of unexpected events. The current 10% reduction is, in part, a response to those lessons learned.

Benefits of the Air Traffic Reduction

While disruptive in the short term, the FAA believes this reduction will yield significant long-term benefits:

* Enhanced Safety: Reduced congestion and workload for