FAA eases nationwide flight cuts to 3%; MSP still under limits
The FAA has scaled back its mandated flight‑capacity reductions at 40 major U.S. airports from a planned 10% ramp (held at 6%) to 3% as controller attendance improved, but the order — in effect since Nov. 7 amid unpaid air traffic controllers, staffing shortages and missed paychecks — remains in place and continues to limit operations at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International (MSP). The cuts and earlier staffing shortfalls have caused widespread delays and thousands of cancellations nationwide (dozens at MSP), prompted airlines to offer refunds and waivers, and spurred an FAA probe into carriers’ handling of the reductions.
📌 Key Facts
- Air traffic controllers were unpaid during the shutdown (unpaid since Oct. 1), working mandatory overtime; callouts, fatigue and accelerated attrition (reported at roughly 15–20 retirements per day at peak) created widespread staffing strain and safety concerns.
- The FAA ordered daily flight reductions at 40 high‑volume airports beginning Nov. 7 (6 a.m.–10 p.m. local): a phased ramp starting at ~4% with planned increases to 6%/8%/10%, but escalation was paused and the cap held at 6% as controller attendance improved; after the shutdown ended Nov. 12 the FAA cut limits were downgraded to 3% for the weekend while assessing a return to normal operations — the agency warned normal traffic wouldn’t resume immediately even if the shutdown ended.
- Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP) was included among the affected airports; MSP handles about 750 flights a day (a 10% cut would be ~75 flights) and experienced dozens of daily cancellations and many delays as the reductions were implemented (examples include roughly 60–68 cancellations reported on some days and smaller daily totals as limits eased).
- Nationwide impact was large and variable: thousands of daily cancellations during the rollout (FlightAware tallies include thousands per day and ~9,500 cancellations between Nov. 7 and mid‑day Nov. 12; other tallies exceeded 10,000 since restrictions began), Airlines for America estimated millions of passengers affected (latest totals cited over 5 million), and industry groups estimated daily economic losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
- FAA and DOT officials framed the cuts as safety‑driven, citing rising incidents such as loss of separation, runway incursions and near‑misses; NATCA and union leaders likewise warned that unpaid, fatigued controllers eroded safety margins and contributed to operational risk.
- Airlines responded with customer‑flexibility measures (Delta, United and American offered refunds or extended waivers and rebooking flexibility, including on normally nonrefundable tickets), shifted reductions toward regional/smaller routes, and said they could ramp back to full schedules within a few days after the FAA lifts its order.
- The FAA opened a probe (Dec. 6) into whether carriers complied with the agency’s ordered flight cuts, examining airlines’ handling of the reductions.
- Political and operational responses included Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warning cuts could increase (he cited possible 15–20% limits if staffing worsened), President Trump publicly pressuring controllers and proposing attendance bonuses, and Defense Department offers of military controllers (with questions about civilian certification).
📊 Relevant Data
The U.S. was short 3,903 fully certified air traffic controllers of a goal of 14,633, according to a government tally from last year.
Air traffic controllers are still short after government shutdown — CNBC
Air traffic controllers are required to retire at the age of 56.
America's air traffic controller shortage is even worse during the government shutdown — Fortune
In 2024, there were 1,758 runway incursions in the United States.
New Tech and Training Tackle Rising Runway Incursion Threat — AINonline
Approximately 33% of air traffic controllers are female and 67% are male.
Air traffic controller demographics in the United States — CareerExplorer
📰 Sources (32)
FAA launches investigation into US airlines over flight cuts ordered during the shutdown
New information:
- FAA has launched an investigation into U.S. airlines’ handling of FAA-ordered flight reductions during the federal shutdown.
- The probe examines whether carriers complied appropriately with the agency’s cut directives.
- The inquiry follows the earlier nationwide order that included limits at MSP.
MSP airport flight cancellations ease, but staffing issues linger still
New information:
- Concrete MSP numbers: 23 cancellations Friday, down from 38 Wednesday and 58 Monday.
- FAA indicates reductions are at 3% for this weekend with a potential return to normal operations next week.
- NATCA says the system was already ~3,800 controllers short and the shutdown exacerbated attrition; exact departures unknown due to paused paperwork.
- Direct quote from NATCA VP Drew MacQueen highlighting unpaid controller workload during the shutdown.
FAA takes first steps to restore flights after shutdown strain, but some limits remain
New information:
- FAA is downgrading mandatory flight reductions at 40 major airports from 6% to 3% despite the shutdown ending Nov. 12.
- The order began Nov. 7 and was initially planned to increase to 10% but was held at 6% as controller attendance improved.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy cited increased loss of separation incidents, runway incursions, and pilot concerns during the shutdown but has not released the underlying safety data.
- Controller staffing strains worsened during the shutdown, with 15–20 air traffic controllers retiring daily by the end and some leaving the profession.
- Airlines warned residual operational ripple effects could last for days, though executives are optimistic about normalizing ahead of Thanksgiving travel.
Air travel, SNAP benefits, back pay at issue as federal government slowly reopens
New information:
- FAA has not yet lifted the flight-reduction order; escalation paused at 6% but still in effect as of Thursday.
- Airlines for America says carriers will ramp back to full capacity when FAA clears them, aiming to be ready for Thanksgiving travel.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford framed the cuts as needed to ease pressure on unpaid, overstressed air traffic controllers.
Airlines are optimistic about a quick recovery ahead of Thanksgiving once FAA ends flight cuts
New information:
- Airlines say they can resume normal operations within 3–4 days after the FAA lifts the flight‑reduction order.
- FAA has not yet said when it will lift the order; cuts remain capped at 6% after shelving planned increases to 8% and 10%.
- About 1,000 U.S. flights were canceled by late Thursday morning as the cuts continue.
- Airlines for America projects a record 31 million passengers during the Thanksgiving travel period beginning next Friday.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy: FAA staff (including controllers) should receive 70% of back pay within 24–48 hours of shutdown’s end, with the remainder over subsequent paychecks.
- Controller understaffing peaked Saturday when 81 FAA facilities posted warnings; by Thursday morning no facilities were listing staffing warnings.
- American Airlines leadership told employees they’re seeing stabilization in controller staffing and fewer day‑of delays/cancellations, though some cuts persist until the order is lifted.
FAA says flight cuts will stay at 6% because more air traffic controllers are coming to work
New information:
- FAA and DOT say flight reductions at 40 airports will remain at 6% instead of rising to 10% due to a 'rapid decline' in controller callouts.
- Reason cited: more air traffic controllers are coming to work; safety team recommended holding at 6% while assessing a return to normal operations.
- Since restrictions took effect Friday, more than 10,100 flights have been canceled (FlightAware).
- The FAA originally planned to ramp reductions from 4% to 10% to relieve pressure from shutdown-driven staffing shortages.
By the numbers: The government shutdown’s toll on air travel in the US
New information:
- Quantifies 9,500 flight cancellations between Nov. 7 and mid-day Nov. 12 (FlightAware).
- Airlines for America says 5.2 million passengers have been affected by staffing-related delays/cancellations since Oct. 1.
- FAA’s cut path reiterated (4% initial to 10% by Friday) and that restrictions may remain until staffing stabilizes even if the shutdown ends before Friday.
- Twelve of the 40 airports also face expanded restrictions on business and many private flights.
- Average 30 ATC facilities experienced staffing issues on weekends during the shutdown—about 4x pre-shutdown weekends.
- Daily U.S. economic impact from 10% flight cuts estimated at $285M–$580M (A4A).
- Context note: Unpaid controllers calling out; Trump floated $10,000 bonuses for perfect attendance and threatened docking pay.
Flight delays, cancellations continue as FAA ramps up flight reductions at 40 US airports
New information:
- FAA target for flight reductions increases from 4% to 6% on Tuesday and to 10% by Friday.
- Nationwide operational impact update: about 1,700 cancellations Monday; over 1,200 cancellations and nearly 2,000 delays Tuesday.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy cites rising safety risks with increased 'loss of separation' events and runway incursions, plus reports of stressed controller communications.
- Uncertainty noted on whether the Senate funding package to reopen government will alter the planned cancellations.
Trump tells air traffic controllers to ‘get back to work’ as government shutdown drags on
New information:
- President Donald Trump publicly pressured controllers to "get back to work, NOW!!!" and floated a $10,000 bonus for those working, with docking pay for those who haven't.
- NATCA President Nick Daniels warned fatigue is eroding safety margins and said retirements/quits are rising daily after 41 days without pay.
- Controllers and other FAA staff are set to miss a second paycheck Tuesday; prior 2019 shutdown back pay took more than two months to process.
- AP analysis: average of 30 air traffic control facilities had weekend staffing issues during the shutdown—about four times pre‑shutdown levels.
- Cirium: roughly 10% of flights nationwide were canceled Sunday, the fourth-worst day for cancellations in almost two years.
- FAA schedule of cuts reiterated: 4% already in place at 40 busiest airports, rising to 6% Tuesday and 10% by week’s end until safety metrics improve.
The shutdown could end this week. Here’s what that might mean for Minnesotans.
New information:
- MSP saw 68 flight cancellations on Monday, adding a concrete daily impact figure.
- Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) union says restoring traffic flow will take time even if a deal passes, due to staffing ramp-up.
- Travel industry perspective (InsureMyTrip CEO): Thanksgiving week could still see long lines, cancellations and delays even with a shutdown-ending deal.
Flight delays and cancellations ‘only going to get worse’ the next few days
New information:
- Specific MSP totals for Monday: 24 departing flights (~5%) and 36 arriving flights (~7%) canceled, per FlightAware.
- Nationwide by 10 a.m. Monday: ~1,650 cancellations and ~3,000 delays.
- FAA cut schedule this week: 4% Friday already in effect, rising to 6% Tuesday, 8% Thursday and 10% Friday.
- DOT Secretary Sean Duffy reiterated cuts could reach 15–20% if the shutdown continues; controller retirements have jumped from ~4/day pre‑shutdown to 15–20/day.
- Controller absences Sunday hit 81 nationwide; at Atlanta, 18 of 22 controllers were absent.
- MAC spokesman Jeff Lea said Thursday could see >40,000 travelers at MSP, but active airline cancellations are increasing.
- Airlines for America says 4 million passengers have experienced disruptions through Sunday.
- InsureMyTrip’s CEO warned that even with a shutdown deal, staffing won’t 'reset overnight,' so Thanksgiving week could still see long lines and cancellations.
MSP Airport faces 60 flight cancellations Monday as FAA reduces air traffic amid shutdown
New information:
- MSP faced approximately 60 flight cancellations on Monday tied to FAA air-traffic reductions during the federal shutdown.
- Confirms FAA-driven capacity cuts are now producing a concrete daily cancellation count at MSP.
Flight cancellations and delays worsen as government shutdown drags on
New information:
- Updated national cancellations: 1,500+ Saturday and 2,900+ Sunday; early Monday ~1,600 already canceled and nearly 1,000 Tuesday.
- FAA schedule specifics: 4% reduction now, increasing to 6% Tuesday and 10% by the upcoming weekend.
- Air traffic controllers have now missed two pay periods; union leader Nick Daniels to hold a Monday press conference.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reiterated that cuts could reach up to 20% if staffing worsens.
Thanksgiving air traffic could ‘slow to a trickle’ if shutdown persists, transport secretary says
New information:
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Thanksgiving air travel could “slow to a trickle” if the shutdown continues, with only a few flights taking off and landing.
- FAA-ordered cuts that began at 4% and rise to 10% by Nov. 14 could increase to as much as 20%, Duffy said.
- FlightAware tallied 1,375 cancellations by late Sunday morning and more than 1,500 on Saturday across the U.S.
- Duffy said 15–20 air traffic controllers per day are retiring amid the shutdown, worsening staffing shortages.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth offered military air traffic controllers to help, though it’s unclear if they are certified for civilian systems.
- Duffy framed the cuts as safety-driven due to rising near-misses, rejecting claims they are political tactics.
US airlines’ daily cancellations top 2,000 for first time since shutdown cuts began
New information:
- U.S. airlines canceled more than 2,100 flights on Sunday, with over 7,000 additional delays the same day (FlightAware).
- FAA flight reductions are in effect daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time at 40 major airports and will ramp up to 10% by Nov. 14.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned further cuts up to 20% may be needed if controllers miss another paycheck and said Thanksgiving travel could 'slow to a trickle.'
- Controller attrition has accelerated, with '15 or 20 a day' retiring, according to Duffy.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth offered military air traffic controllers, though their certification for civilian systems is unclear.
- Sunday’s worst cancellation hubs included Atlanta (173) and Newark (115); average departure delays around 75 minutes at Newark and LaGuardia due to staffing.
MSP flight cancellations grow as government shutdown continues
New information:
- At MSP on Saturday: 30 flights canceled and 87 delayed (FlightAware); MSP’s site showed 23 cancellations and 57 delays.
- Friday saw 38 cancellations at MSP; between Sunday and Monday there were 63 cancellations (FlightAware).
- Delta extended its travel waiver by five days, allowing rebooking without fare differences.
- Airlines for America estimates 3.5 million people have experienced delays or cancellations since the shutdown began.
- TSA checkpoint waits at MSP were about five minutes or less Saturday morning.
How the government shutdown will affect international flights
New information:
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said international flights will not be reduced due to international agreements, warning that breaching them could lead partner countries to cut U.S. flights.
- United Airlines said its international flights and hub-to-hub flights will not be affected by the schedule reduction; American Airlines said there is no impact on its international flights at this time.
- Updated disruption counts: roughly 3,400 flight delays and 900 cancellations nationwide on Saturday, the day after phased cuts began.
- Airlines for America estimates more than 3.2 million passengers have been affected by delays/cancellations tied to controller staffing since the Oct. 1 shutdown start.
Democrats’ shutdown becomes everyone’s problem with flight cancellations right before Thanksgiving
New information:
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the FAA may consider increasing cuts beyond 10% (to 15% or even 20%) if pressures continue.
- Midday snapshot reports roughly 850 flight cancellations Friday (some weather-related), updating impact figures during the rollout.
Government shutdown latest: Senators working through the weekend
New information:
- By Saturday morning, the first wave of cancellations is underway as airports implement the initial ~4% reduction, ramping toward up to 10%.
The FAA’s order to cut flights nationwide due to the government shutdown is in effect
New information:
- FAA’s nationwide flight-reduction order is now in effect as of Friday morning, Nov. 7.
- Reductions apply daily between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. local time.
- Ramp-up timing specified: cuts start at 4% and increase to 10% by Nov. 14.
- Nationwide cancellations already exceed 815 (FlightAware).
- Delta will cut roughly 170 flights Friday; American plans about 220 cancellations per day through Monday.
- Potential ripple effects on parcel delivery due to cuts at FedEx (Memphis) and UPS (Louisville) hubs.
+ 12 more sources