The ongoing federal government shutdown—now the longest in 40 years—is officially taking a toll on air travel. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it will cut 10% of flights at 40 of the busiest airports across the U.S., including New York City’s JFK and LaGuardia.
🏛️ Federal Government Shutdown
The federal government shutdown–the first since early 2019–kicked off this past October after the president and Congress failed to reach an agreement on government programs and services.
Now officially the longest shutdown in four decades, it’s affecting everything from healthcare to agriculture—and unfortunately, there’s still no clear end in sight.
✈️ Why the FAA Is Cutting Flights
Airlines are being forced to reduce their schedules to keep flights safe and ease pressure on air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay since October 1. Many are calling out or working double shifts as the shutdown drags on.
According to AP News, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford called the move “unprecedented,” adding that the agency “won’t wait for a safety problem to manifest.”
📆 When Will Flight Cuts Take Effect?
The cuts will begin Friday, November 7. Travelers should check with their airlines to see if their flight has been affected.
🗽 Which NYC Airports Are Affected
The FAA’s list includes:
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)(New Jersey)
Since late spring, Newark has already been facing major disruptions and grounded flights. To ensure things run smoothly, the FAA is extending flight cuts there until October 2026.
Unfortunately, this means most NYC-area travelers could face delays or cancellations as early as Friday morning. The cuts may impact up to 1,800 flights daily, or roughly 268,000 passengers nationwide.
🌎 Which Airports Are Affected Overall
The full list of affected airports includes:
1. Anchorage International (Alaska)
2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (Georgia)
3. Boston Logan International (Massachusetts)
4. Baltimore/Washington International (Maryland)
5. Charlotte Douglas International (North Carolina)
6. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (Ohio)
7. Dallas Love Field (Texas)
8. Ronald Reagan Washington National (Virginia)
9. Denver International (Colorado)
10. Dallas/Fort Worth International (Texas)
11. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (Michigan)
12. Newark Liberty International (New Jersey)
13. Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International (Florida)
14. Honolulu International (Hawaii)
15. Houston Hobby (Texas)
16. Washington Dulles International (Virginia)
17. George Bush Houston Intercontinental (Texas)
18. Indianapolis International (Indiana)
19. John F. Kennedy International (New York)
20. Harry Reid International Airport (Las Vegas)
21. Los Angeles International (California)
22. LaGuardia Airport (New York)
23. Orlando International (Florida)
24. Chicago Midway International (Illinois)
25. Memphis International (Tennessee)
26. Miami International (Florida)
27. Minneapolis/St Paul International (Minnesota)
28. Oakland International (California)
29. Ontario International (California)
30. Chicago O`Hare International (Illinois)
31. Portland International (Oregon)
32. Philadelphia International (Pennsylvania)
33. Phoenix Sky Harbor International (Arizona)
34. San Diego International (California)
35. Louisville International (Kentucky)
36. Seattle/Tacoma International (Washington)
37. San Francisco International (California)
38. Salt Lake City International (Utah)
39. Teterboro (New Jersey)
40. Tampa International (Florida)
🧭 Tips To Avoid A Flight Cancellation
Chad Kendall, associate professor and FAA chief instructor at Metropolitan State University of Denver, shared tips with Forbes on how to reduce your chances of getting grounded:
- Book the earliest flight of the day — early departures face fewer delays and offer more rebooking options
- Avoid layovers when possible — each connection adds risk
- Insure your trip — trip insurance lets you rebook or refund if your flight is canceled or delayed
- Arrive extra early — at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international ones
- Monitor your flight — check your airline’s app for real-time updates on gates, delays, or cancellations
🚨 What To Do If Your Flight Gets Canceled
Airlines are doing what they can to minimize disruptions, but here’s what travelers should know:
- Rebooking: airlines must rebook you on a later flight at no extra cost
- Refunds: if you no longer wish to travel, or have found another way to reach your destination, you’re entitled to a full refund, even for non-refundable tickets
- Compensation: U.S. airlines aren’t required to cover hotels or meals for cancellations
Experts recommend checking your flight before leaving home and staying updated via your airline’s app or social media. Helpful resources include:
- FlightAware – track delays and cancellations in real time
- MyTSA app – view wait times and past delay data
- FAA National Airspace System Status – official FAA updates
🧳 Pro Tip: if your flight looks uncertain, book a backup ticket or consider alternative travel options like Amtrak or buses—especially with the holiday travel season approaching.