The ongoing government shutdown is now taking a measurable toll on U.S. air travel. On Wednesday, November 5, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it will temporarily reduce flights at 40 major U.S. airports — a move arriving just weeks before the busy holiday travel season ramps up.
For travelers — including those headed to premieres, press tours, film festivals, and fan events — the immediate takeaway is straightforward: expect longer lines, tighter connections, and a higher likelihood of disruptions as airlines and airports adjust to constrained operations.
What The FAA Just Announced
During a November 5 press conference, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that flight operations will be reduced by 10 percent nationwide as the FAA manages through limited staffing during the shutdown. The cutbacks are designed to be temporary and targeted, but the impact will be felt across multiple hubs and major markets.
"It’s going to lead to more cancellations, but we are going to work with the airlines to do this in a systematic way," Duffy said, framing the reductions as part of a coordinated approach intended to mitigate chaos rather than create it.
Federal Aviation Administrator Bryan Bedford echoed that message, emphasizing that safety remains non-negotiable even as schedules tighten. "The cuts will put the relief where the relief will do the most good," Bedford explained. "We’re not going to do anything that will compromise the safety of air travel in the United States."
In short, fewer flights will be scheduled, but the FAA says the reductions are being implemented strategically to maintain safe operations and reduce pressure where staffing is most strained.
Where The Reductions Apply — And What It Means For Timing
The FAA’s order affects 40 major U.S. airports, though the agency did not provide a full list in its initial announcement. The timing is significant: with the holiday travel surge quickly approaching, even modest reductions can ripple through already packed schedules, producing delays and cancellations that are felt well beyond the originating airports.
While the FAA has not specified how long these reductions will last, the agency has been clear about its rationale: concentrate relief where it’s needed most, avoid overextending limited staffing, and keep safety as the top priority. Practically speaking, that means travelers should prepare for the possibility of last-minute adjustments and longer-than-usual waits at check-in, security, and boarding.
For the entertainment industry, the timing could intersect with studio junkets, awards-season screenings, and high-profile premieres — especially in cities relying on those 40 airports. Press travel and talent itineraries may face tighter connections, making advance coordination and flexible planning more important than ever.
How Airlines Are Responding
American Airlines was among the first major carriers to address the FAA’s move, signaling confidence that most itineraries can be preserved even as adjustments roll out. "We expect the vast majority of our customers’ travel will be unaffected, and long-haul international travel will remain as scheduled," the airline said in a statement. "As schedule changes are made, we’ll proactively reach out to customers who are impacted."
Expect similar messaging from other carriers as they coordinate with the FAA to manage capacity and smooth out operations. The emphasis across the board is on proactive communication — meaning travelers should keep an eye on airline apps, email, and text alerts, especially in the 24–48 hours before departure.
Airlines typically prioritize maintaining long-haul and high-demand routes while rebalancing domestic short-haul flights. That approach helps minimize widespread disruption but can also lead to cascading delays when aircraft and crew are reassigned. Bottom line: keep your itinerary flexible if possible, and avoid tight layovers when rebooking.
What Travelers Should Do Now
With the path forward still tied to the length of the government shutdown, planning ahead becomes the best defense. If you’re heading to a premiere, festival, or screening — or traveling for the holidays — consider these steps to reduce friction:
– Check your flight status early and often via your airline’s app.
– Allow extra time at the airport for check-in and security.
– Opt for earlier departures when possible to improve rebooking options.
– Build in longer layovers to absorb potential delays.
– Keep notifications enabled and respond quickly to rebooking offers.
These adjustments can help offset the squeeze created by a 10 percent nationwide reduction in operations, particularly at major hubs where schedules are tightly choreographed.
For now, the FAA’s message is measured but clear: reductions are targeted, safety remains paramount, and coordination with airlines is ongoing. Travelers should be prepared for short-term turbulence — and plan accordingly — as the country navigates both the shutdown and one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
