U.S. Airlines Scramble as Shutdown Forces Flight Cuts and Travel Chaos
U.S. airlines rushed on Thursday to adjust flight schedules and respond to a surge in customer inquiries after the government ordered flight reductions at several major airports. The move marks the latest disruption caused by the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, now the longest in American history.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the directive on Wednesday, citing air traffic control safety concerns due to the prolonged shutdown. The situation has forced around 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 security screeners to work without pay, sparking growing fears of travel delays during the busy Thanksgiving holiday season.
Staffing Shortages Hit Flights Nationwide
Nationwide, staff shortages have already resulted in tens of thousands of flight delays, with airlines estimating that over 3.2 million travelers have been affected.
Industry officials told Reuters that the first phase of flight cuts—about 4% of scheduled flights—will start on Friday, increasing to 5% on Saturday, 6% on Sunday, and possibly reaching 10% next week if the shutdown continues.
Delta Air Lines confirmed it will begin reducing flights from Friday to comply with the government’s order but expects to operate most of its schedule, including all international long-haul services.
Holiday Travel at Risk Amid Shutdown
If the government remains closed, the Thanksgiving holiday period could see widespread travel chaos affecting millions of Americans. Analysts warn the cuts could cause one of the most visible ripple effects yet from the record-breaking shutdown.
David Morrison, senior market analyst at Trade Nation UK, said:
“Airlines may have some flexibility on pricing, but a prolonged shutdown will have a negative effect overall.”
Meanwhile, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest reported being flooded with passenger messages on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), as travelers sought updates on cancellations and flight schedules.
One user pleaded:
“Please, for Thanksgiving week, issue all cancellations at least a week in advance. Don’t make people wait to find out if they can fly home for the holiday.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to issue the formal order for flight reductions later Thursday to reduce the burden on air traffic controllers, who are already short by about 3,500 staff and working overtime and six-day weeks even before the shutdown.
Airlines Try to Contain the Damage
Analysts at TD Cowen said the situation remains fluid but “more manageable than headlines imply.” Even in a worst-case scenario, if the shutdown extends through the quarter, airlines could see 2.5% to 3% of fourth-quarter capacity at risk.
Airlines emphasized they are working to minimize disruptions and rebook affected passengers where possible.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby stated the company will focus its flight reductions on regional routes and non-hub domestic flights, allowing many travelers to be rebooked.
Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle added that while the timing is challenging, the slowdown may actually help improve unit revenue during the typically low-demand month of November.
