FAA to Slash Flight Capacity by 10% at 40 Major U.S. Airports Starting Friday

The Unprecedented Move, Driven by Staffing Shortages During the Federal Shutdown, Will Affect LAX

The Federal Aviation Administration will temporarily reduce flight capacity at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports by 10%, citing staffing shortages and the growing impact of the ongoing federal government shutdown.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the move on Wednesday, describing it as an extraordinary but necessary step to preserve safety and manage air traffic under mounting operational pressure. Bedford described the measure as unprecedented in his 35 years with the FAA.

The changes are set to take effect Friday morning, though some reductions could begin as early as Thursday, according to sources familiar with the rollout.

Officials di