US to Cancel Flights as Government Shutdown Impacts Air Traffic Control
Washington D.C. – November 6, 2025 – U.S. authorities announced today they will request airlines begin cancelling flights starting Friday to alleviate strain on air traffic control, a sector experiencing increased absenteeism due to the ongoing government shutdown.
The United States is now in the 36th day of a government shutdown, marking the longest in its history, stemming from a budget impasse between republicans and Democrats in Congress.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated at a press conference that a 10% reduction in flight capacity will be implemented at approximately 40 airports, including the nation’s busiest hubs.
“We need 2,000 air traffic controllers,” Duffy explained, emphasizing the necessity to “reduce the pressure” with a reduced flight schedule given current staffing levels.
The shutdown, which began on October 1st, has resulted in furloughs for thousands of federal employees.Hundreds of thousands more continue to work without pay until a resolution is reached. Over 60,000 air traffic controllers and transportation security agents fall into the latter category. consequently, some employees are choosing not to report for duty rather than work without compensation for an extended period.
Bryan Bedford, head of the Federal Aviation governance (FAA), confirmed the agency is requesting airlines collaborate to reduce flight plans. “We are going to ask airlines to work with us to reduce their flight plans,” he said. “We can take action today to prevent the situation from getting worse.”
Bedford, a veteran of 35 years in the aviation industry, described the situation as ”very unusual.” He assured the public that, “Today the system is extremely secure and it will be extremely secure tomorrow. And if the pressure continues to increase, even after taking these measures, we will come back and take additional measures.”
Controllers currently working are reportedly covering shifts through overtime and extended workdays.”Our drivers haven’t been paid for a month. We’re looking forward to working normally again,” Bedford added. “We want to reduce this pressure before it becomes a problem.”
(Sources: AFP, EFE, Reuters, AP)
