U.S. Airlines Scramble as Historic Government Shutdown Triggers 4% Flight Cuts

U.S. airlines were forced into urgent operational adjustments on Friday after the federal government ordered an unprecedented 4% reduction in flights at 40 major airports, citing air traffic control safety risks stemming from the record-breaking government shutdown.

The nationwide cuts, which took effect at 6 a.m. ET (1100 GMT), impact roughly 700 flights operated by the country’s four biggest carriers—American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.

Officials warned the reductions will deepen to 6% on Tuesday and could escalate to 10% by November 14 if the shutdown continues unresolved.

Airlines are now racing to rework schedules, reassign crews, and manage passenger disruptions as uncertainty continues to mount.