If you have upcoming travel plans soon, you may notice fewer options on the airport departure board.
Airlines are cutting flights tenfold major US airports relieve pressure on air traffic controllers who were work without pay and is under great stress during the ongoing government shutdown.
The Federal Aviation Administration announces its decision necessary to ensure the safety of travelers. Many supervisors worked overtime and mandatory overtime until lawmakers are deadlocked on how to reopen the government.
Those affected include major hubs like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, and the ripple effect could mean more cancellations, longer delays and fuller flights for travelers across the country. The reduction will affect hundreds, if not thousands of flights daily.
Here's what you need to know about the FAA order and what you can do if your plans are disrupted:
Is my airport on the list?
There's a good chance that this is the case. List covers more than two dozen states.
It includes the nation's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia, and major airports in Boston, Denver, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Miami, San Francisco and Salt Lake City.
This will affect several airports in some major cities, including New York, Houston, Chicago and Washington.
How long will this last?
It's hard to say. Even if the shutdown ends soon, the FAA has said it will not lift flight restrictions. before staffing on airport towers and regional air traffic centers allows you to do this safely.
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“It's going to take time to sort this out,” said Michael Johnson, president of Ensemble Travel, an association of travel agents in the U.S. and Canada.
That's why he says it's important to plan ahead—whether you've booked your flights or are just starting to make vacation travel plans.
Know before you go
Airlines say they will inform their customers if their flight is cancelled.
However, it can't hurt to check your airline's app or flight tracking site for updates before heading to the airport. It's better to be stuck at home or in a hotel than to be stuck in a terminal.
My flight was cancelled. So what now?
“Take a deep breath. Don't panic,” Johnson said. “There are options. They may not be ideal and they may not be convenient, but you have options.”
If you're already at the airport, it's time to get in line to speak with a customer service representative. While you wait, you can call or go online to contact the airline's reservations team. It can also help to contact social platform X because airlines can respond quickly there.
Now may be the time to consider whether it makes sense to travel by train, car or bus.
Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, said the closure is different from a situation where one airline has problems and travelers can simply choose another carrier.
“The longer the shutdown drags on, the more unlikely it is that one airline will operate on time if others are failing,” Potter said.
Can I get a refund or compensation?
Airlines will be required to issue a full refund, according to the FAA. However, they are not required to cover additional costs such as meals or hotel accommodations unless the delay or cancellation was within their control, according to the Department of Transport.
You can also visit the DOT website to see what does your airline promise? for reimbursement or other expenses if your flight is disrupted.
Should I just stay home for the holidays?
Not necessarily. You may just need a little more planning and flexibility than usual.
A travel advisor can help take the stress off your mind, and travel insurance can provide added protection.
Johnson also warned that tickets could sell out quickly once the lockdown ends.
“There will be a flurry of booking activity,” he said. “So try to get ahead of it and make sure you're protected.”
Booking your flight early can also help, says Tyler Hosford, director of security at risk mitigation company International SOS. If it gets cancelled, you still have “all day” to sort things out.
Other tips
Travel light. Limiting luggage to carry-on means there's one less line at the airport, and if your plans unexpectedly change, you'll already have everything with you.
Give yourself extra time at the airport, especially if you are an anxious passenger, traveling with small children or someone who needs extra help getting around.
And be nice. Airline agents are probably helping other frustrated travelers too, and yelling won't make them any more willing to help. Remember, the cancellation is not their fault.
“An extra ounce of kindness to yourself and others at this time of year, despite all this upheaval, will go a long way,” Johnson said.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
