FAA is reducing flights at 40 U.S. airports. Here's how Canadian travel will be affected | CBC News

FAA Reduces Flights at 40 U.S. Airports Amid Government Shutdown

Canadian travellers heading to the United States may encounter flight cancellations and delays as the ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown impacts the country's aviation system. Although international flights are generally exempt from the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) reductions, disruptions can still arise due to cascading operational effects.

Flight Reductions and Affected Airports

The FAA announced on Wednesday that it will decrease flights by 10% at 40 of the busiest U.S. airports, including major hubs like New York City and Chicago. The reductions begin on Friday at 4% and will gradually increase to 10% by mid-November local time across all commercial airlines.

Reasons for Flight Reductions

The FAA cited the need to maintain safety amid the longest government shutdown in history, now over 37 days, as unpaid air traffic controllers are experiencing strain.

"Due to a lapse in funding, the FAA is not responding to routine media inquiries."

Current Status and Information Access

CBC News contacted both the FAA and the U.S. Department of Transportation for further details but has yet to receive a response.

Summary

The scheduled flight cuts primarily aim to ensure safer travel by alleviating the workload of stressed air traffic controllers during the federal shutdown, with ripple effects expected to impact Canadian travelers despite international flight exemptions.

Author's summary: The FAA is scaling back flights at busy U.S. airports to safeguard safety as the prolonged government shutdown strains air traffic control, causing delays that could affect Canadian travelers heading south.

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CBC CBC — 2025-11-07

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