Hundreds more U.S. flights could be cancelled today. Here’s what you need to know

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Hundreds of flights have been cancelled across the U.S. this week — with more expected in the coming days — as airlines comply with a mandated reduction in service due to the ongoing government shutdown. 

It’s part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) plan to reduce air traffic by 10 per cent — a move the agency says is necessary in order to maintain travel safety amid staffing shortages caused by the shutdown that began on Oct. 1. 

Wondering how it got to this point? Here’s an overview of what we know so far: 

What’s the reason for the flight cuts?

The FAA says imposing the flight reductions is meant to relieve some of the pressure on air traffic controllers who are working without pay as the shutdown continues, and have been increasingly calling off work. 

“With continued delays and unpredictable staffing shortages, which are driving fatigue, risk is further increasing, and the FAA is concerned with the system’s ability to maintain the current volume of operations,” the agency’s official order reads.

Last month, the staffing shortages got so bad an air traffic control tower at Hollywood Burbank Airport in Southern California was left unstaffed just as a pilot was preparing for takeoff and attempting to co-ordinate his departure, according to audio recorded by LiveATC.net and reported on by CNN.

Speaking to reporters at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Friday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he’s appreciative of what air traffic controllers do, but put it on Democrats to end the government shutdown so that air travel can resume as normal. 

“I’m grateful for them, but I also see there’s more pressure on them. So I’m trying to reduce their pressure to keep the air space safe,” he said. 

WATCH | Hundreds of flights cancelled so far:

More than 800 U.S. domestic flights cut due to government shutdown

U.S. airlines have cut four per cent of flights at 40 major airports after the government ordered a reduction in air traffic citing air traffic control safety concerns because of a record-setting government shutdown. The cuts don’t apply to international flights, but Canadian airlines flying into the U.S. warn of potential delays with connecting flights.

How many flights will be cancelled?

The FAA said Wednesday that the reductions would impact 40 of the busiest travel hubs across the U.S. In some of the country’s biggest cities, such as New York and Chicago, multiple airports will be affected. 

In its order published Thursday, the agency said the reductions would start at four per cent on Friday, rise to six per cent next Tuesday and ramp up to 10 per cent by Nov. 14.

Travelers wait to clear security at San Diego International Airport after U.S. Department of Transportation, due to the ongoing government shutdown, imposed a 10% cutback on flight capacity at selected airports that include the country’s busiest one-runway airport in San Diego, California, U.S., November 7, 2025. REUTERS/Mike Blake (Mike Blake/Reuters)

But on Friday, Duffy warned the U.S. government could force airlines to cut up to 20 per cent of flights if the government shutdown did not end. 

At least 1,000 flights were called off across the U.S. Friday, according to FlightAware, a website that tracks flight disruptions. 

Why is the U.S. government shut down right now?

The U.S. government shutdown began at the start of October over a funding impasse, triggering a wide-range of service disruptions. 

It set the record for the longest shutdown ever on Wednesday when it entered its 36th day. 

The shutdown has dragged on as U.S. President Donald Trump has, so far, refused to negotiate with Democrats over their demands to salvage expiring health insurance subsidies unless they agree to reopen the government. 

The loss of those federal subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of the year, would leave many people unable to buy health insurance. 

Republicans have been reluctant to fund the health-care program, also known as Obamacare, without changes, but reaching a deal with Democrats could take time — if one could be reached at all. 

How could this impact Canadian travellers?

The cuts only apply to domestic flights in the U.S., the FAA said in its order. 

But Canadian airlines operate thousands of cross-border flights weekly, including hundreds of connecting flights using partner carriers. 

Here’s what different airlines have said so far: 

• Earlier this week, Air Canada told CBC News that it’s maintaining its “normal schedule” but added that customers connecting to U.S. domestic flights with its partner, United Airlines, may be affected and that it is already experiencing delays. The airline is allowing customers with connecting flights through United to change or defer their travel with no change fee. 
• Porter Airlines said that it is “managing the disruptions” related to FAA staffing shortages and is offering “flexibility, complimentary moves” for customers. 
• WestJet said its operations haven’t been impacted but it was monitoring the situation.

How long could these flight disruptions last?

That remains up in the air (pardon the pun) but seems to be tied to whenever the government shutdown ends.

The FAA’s order says it will continue to monitor data related to flight operations and performance “and will amend this order as appropriate.”

“Once funding is restored and the FAA has confidence the stress in the system has adequately decreased, the FAA expects to roll back operational restrictions required by this order to restore normal operations,” the order says.

When the government shutdown could end remains unclear, as Democrats and Republicans remain at an impasse.