Major U.S. airlines are cutting back on flights to key destinations as the ongoing government shutdown continues to paralyze the nation’s aviation system. The shutdown, now entering its fourth week, has forced thousands of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees – including air traffic controllers and safety inspectors – to go on furlough, creating a chain reaction that’s rippling through airports nationwide.
American Airlines has confirmed a reduction in multiple daily routes from New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to major hubs like Chicago, Boston, Dallas, and Miami. United Airlines has also suspended select flights between Newark (EWR) and Washington Reagan National (DCA), citing safety and staffing concerns. The most severe disruptions are being reported across the East Coast, particularly around Washington, D.C., where the FAA’s Potomac TRACON facility – responsible for managing one of the busiest and most complex airspaces in the country – is operating with drastically reduced staff.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed the issue during a press briefing on Thursday, stressing that flight reductions are necessary to maintain safety. “The aviation system cannot operate at full capacity without adequate staffing,” he said. “We’re coordinating with airlines to ensure adjustments are made responsibly, prioritizing passenger safety above all else.”
Delta Airlines has not yet announced formal cancellations but said it is evaluating potential impacts as the situation evolves. Meanwhile, industry analysts warn that even flights still on the schedule may experience lengthy delays due to bottlenecks in air traffic control and ground operations.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) issued a sharp statement urging lawmakers to resolve the funding impasse, calling the current conditions “untenable” for both passengers and aviation professionals. The association warned that continued furloughs could lead to lasting damage in operational reliability and public trust.
Travel experts recommend passengers double-check their flight status before heading to the airport and prepare for extended wait times. With holiday travel season approaching, experts caution that disruptions could escalate further if the shutdown persists.
If Congress fails to reach an agreement soon, this could mark one of the most significant nationwide air travel disruptions in recent memory – with ripple effects likely to continue well into the winter season.
