The FAA's air traffic reductions are taking effect. Here's what to know

The FAA's air traffic reductions are taking effect. Here's what to know

Joel Rose

November 07, 2025 / 10:14 am

WASHINGTON — Airlines have begun canceling hundreds of flights to comply with an order from the Federal Aviation Administration, with the goal of gradually reducing air traffic at dozens of the nation's busiest airports by 10%.

The agency says the move is necessary to keep the airspace safe as it deals with persistent staffing shortages of air traffic controllers, who are required to work without pay during the government shutdown.

"We'll see probably more people on less flights, which means less pressure on controllers," Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said to reporters at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Friday.

But there are still many unanswered questio