How major airlines are responding to FAA flight reductions

The impact here will be huge for the American traveler. The FAA says it will cut about 10% of flights at 40 major airports starting tomorrow. That's unless the government reopens. The reason air traffic controller shortages. FAA facilities report more than 400 of them since the shutdown began. They're not calling in sick. They're calling and saying I don't have childcare today. What do you want me to do? *** controller union leader says the need to address the strain on the system is urgent. The FAA agrees. We're not going to wait for *** safety problem to truly manifest itself when the early indicators are telling us we can take action today to prevent. from deteriorate. An airline source says companies got about an hour's notice about the plan. Now they're scrambling to adjust their flights. United says it aims to keep hub to hub schedules normal, but the CEO of Frontier Airlines warns some passengers could get stranded. He suggests people flying Frontier within 10 days book backup tickets across. Lines passengers leaving tomorrow might not get much warning if they're affected. That's because the FAA initially declined to name the impacted airports. What the FAA is talking about here is equivalent to canceling about 4500 flights *** day. By my math, that's about 30% worse than the worst day for flight cancellations in the last year. I'm Amy Kiley reporting.

Updated: 12:20 PM CST Nov 7, 2025

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How major airlines are responding to FAA flight reductions

Updated: 12:20 PM CST Nov 7, 2025

Editorial Standards ⓘ

The Federal Aviation Administration said it will begin reducing air traffic on Friday to maintain safety during the government shutdown.The FAA said it would reduce air traffic by 10% at 40 of the busiest airports across the U.S.Airlines were scrambling to figure out where to cut, with some airlines planning to focus on slashing routes to and from small and medium-sized cities. Here's what some major airlines have said following the FAA's announcement.United AirlinesUnited Airlines said that any customer traveling during the impacted period is eligible for a refund, even if your flight is not impacted. It includes all non-refundable and Basic Economy tickets.Delta Air LinesDelta Air Lines said customers traveling during the impacted period can change, cancel or refund their flights, without penalty. It includes Delta Main Basic fares.American AirlinesDuring the impacted travel period, American Airlines customers whose flights are cancelled for any reason will be able to change their flight or request a refund, without penalty. Frontier AirlinesThe head of Frontier Airlines recommended that travelers buy backup tickets with another airline to avoid being stranded.Southwest AirlinesSouthwest Airlines said it is evaluating how the planned FAA flight reductions will affect its schedule and will communicate with customers as soon as possible.Spirit AirlinesSpirit Airlines said customers will have the option to receive a refund if a flight is canceled, or you can be rebooked on the next available Spirit flight.

The Federal Aviation Administration said it will begin reducing air traffic on Friday to maintain safety during the government shutdown.

The FAA said it would reduce air traffic by 10% at 40 of the busiest airports across the U.S.

Airlines were scrambling to figure out where to cut, with some airlines planning to focus on slashing routes to and from small and medium-sized cities.

Here's what some major airlines have said following the FAA's announcement.

United Airlines

United Airlines said that any customer traveling during the impacted period is eligible for a refund, even if your flight is not impacted. It includes all non-refundable and Basic Economy tickets.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines said customers traveling during the impacted period can change, cancel or refund their flights, without penalty. It includes Delta Main Basic fares.

American Airlines

During the impacted travel period, American Airlines customers whose flights are cancelled for any reason will be able to change their flight or request a refund, without penalty.

Frontier Airlines

The head of Frontier Airlines recommended that travelers buy backup tickets with another airline to avoid being stranded.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines said it is evaluating how the planned FAA flight reductions will affect its schedule and will communicate with customers as soon as possible.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines said customers will have the option to receive a refund if a flight is canceled, or you can be rebooked on the next available Spirit flight.

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