The US airline industry has reduced flights by up to 10% in response to a Trump administration order aimed at alleviating staffing shortages amid growing concerns about air traffic controller safety.
The FAA’s emergency order, released Thursday evening, aims to cut air traffic by 4% on Friday and gradually increase the reduction to 6%, 8%, and 10% over the next week. The move affects around 800 flights scheduled for Friday and Saturday, with American Airlines reaccommodating most of the affected customers.
Airlines claimed the cuts are necessary to ensure safety, while lawmakers criticized the decision as a “safety-washing” attempt by the administration to force negotiations on the government shutdown.
Air travel is expected to be safe despite the reductions, with officials emphasizing proactive measures to address concerns about air traffic controller fatigue and potential staffing shortages. The FAA warned that it will closely monitor operations and take further action if necessary.
The impact of the reduced flights will reverberate beyond major airports targeted by the plan, with regional flights also feeling the effects. Aviation analysts have expressed concern over the unprecedented nature of the decision, which has already affected airline stock prices.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2025/11/07/flight-cuts-shutdown-duffy