08 Nov 2025, 04:31
Reduction of flights due to government closure affects travel
- The FAA began to reduce the number of flights due to a shortage of air traffic controllers.
- Airlines are encouraging refunds for canceled flights.
- There is an increase in demand for car rentals and alternative transportation.
As of November 7, 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has started implementing an extreme reduction in the number of flights at 40 airports in the U.S. due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. This decision was made under the conditions of government closure, which has led to significant delays and cancellations of flights.
According to the new guidelines from the FAA, airlines are required to reduce the number of internal flights by 4% with further increases to 10% by November 14. This will impact flights at major airports, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, which may result in up to a 20% reduction in flights if the situation does not improve.
Airlines, such as American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest, have already announced a reduction in schedules and flight cancellations. In response to the situation, airlines are offering flexible options for passengers, including the possibility of refunds.
In addition, the reduction of flights has prompted some travelers to turn to alternative forms of transportation, such as car rentals and rail services. For instance, Hertz has reported an increase in demand for one-way car rentals by 20% compared to last year.
At the same time, Amtrak is experiencing record numbers of bookings on travel days, as more travelers seek reliable alternatives to airlines due to flight cancellations.
The situation remains dynamic, and travelers are advised to keep an eye on their airline updates and consider flexible travel options.
Tags: USA/Aviation