FAA Capacity Cuts Begin, Know Your Contract
November 7, 2025 - The shutdown — now in its 38th day and the longest in history — will start having a direct and immediate impact on our livelihoods. The FAA has started limiting capacity because of the strain on the system due to the government shutdown.
The schedule reductions will begin today at about 4% and gradually increase throughout the weekend until they reach the full 10% next week. Review the list of airports affected here.
Depending on the size of your airline's operation at the affected airports the actual number of reductions may vary by base and airline.
As these capacity reductions take effect, you may experience cancellations or changes to your schedule. Review your Contract provisions including but not limited to flight cancellations, reassignments and/or reroutes, and commuting. Contact your Local AFA Council or MEC for details specific to your base and airline.
AFA-CWA President Sara Nelson’s statement on the 10% reduction of air traffic:
“Safety is not a political game. Recent events in aviation should sober us all and redirect an urgent call to work together to keep Americans safe.
“The only way aviation keeps moving during a shutdown is because air traffic controllers and TSA officers come to work without getting paid, while everyone who supports their work for our safety and security is sent home without pay. Cutting capacity is a regular tool used to keep aviation safe when increased risks are present.
“The false narrative that this shutdown is a choice of either paying federal workers or protecting affordable healthcare is outrageous when both crises were manufactured by the exact people who can fix it. End this shutdown NOW.” Read the full statement.
AFA in the news:
- AFA on CNN: Day 37 of the Government Shutdown
- AFA on Morning Joe: Flight Cuts Kick In At Nations Busiest Airports
- AFA on MSNBC: Travelers Brace For Delays As Cuts Hit 40 “High Traffic” Airports Across U.S.
- Trump Officials to Cut Air Traffic at 40 Major Airports if Shutdown Continues, New York Times
- Exclusive: US orders 10% flights cut at major US airports due to shutdown, Reuters
- Air Travel Breakdown Nears As Unpaid ATC And TSA Workers Face Stress, Forbes
- Flight Cuts to Hit 40 Busiest U.S. Airports Due to Government Shutdown. Here’s What to Know, Time
- FAA announces flight reductions at 40 airports. Here’s where cuts are expected and what travelers need to know, CNBC
