The Donald Trump administration has decided to cut air traffic by 10% at 40 airports in the United States to try to relieve pressure on air traffic controllers, hit by the federal government shutdown due to the inability of Republicans and Democrats to agree on the budget extension. The budget freeze completed 35 days on Tuesday and became the longest in history.
Him stopas the government shutdown is called in English, it has caused the closure or minimal activity of dozens of state bodies, from natural parks, to museums, to healthcare companies, etc. And it has reduced the activity of other bodies considered essential for safety, such as controllers. But these federal workers do not receive salaries due to budget constraints. Added to this is the fact that, according to the data collected by The New York Times.
Many controllers also lose their jobs because the lack of pay forces them to look for other jobs to be able to pay for their children’s schooling, health insurance or mortgage.
The restrictions will come into force this Friday. The day before, Thursday, details on the markets that will be affected will be provided. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Director Bryan Bedford said the agency will meet with airlines this Wednesday evening to discuss implementation of the plan.
🚨@USDOT is initiating a 10% reduction in capacity at 40 major airports.
This data-driven decision is designed to relieve the pressure on our air traffic controllers needed to keep the skies safe. pic.twitter.com/9J9fCw84MA
— USDOT Rapid Response (@USDOTRapid) November 5, 2025
The measure was announced by Transport Minister Sean Duffy. “My number one priority is the safety of American citizens,” the Republican politician said through his X account.
The measure is unprecedented. It occurs just before Thanksgiving, the national holiday with the highest travel traffic. Forecasts show record travel in the United States during these dates.
The decision is also adopted after a plane from the transport and parcel company UPS crashed at Louisville (Kentucky) airport this Tuesday, causing at least nine deaths and 11 injuries, some seriously. The accident is not linked to budget cuts, nor to the tension of the controllers, but the words of the Secretary of State seem to want to connect both events
“There will be frustration,” Duffy said during a news conference announcing the measure. “But ultimately, our only role is to ensure that this airspace is kept as safe as possible.” The Secretary of Transportation has not closed the door on further restrictions on air travel. “The data will determine our actions. If the data goes in the wrong direction, could we see further restrictions? Yes,” he warned.
Duffy insisted that cuts to air traffic are necessary to maintain safety. And he specified that, for now, the measure will not concern international flights.
The Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) has approved measures in recent days to slow air traffic operations at some airports due to a shortage of controllers since the government lockdown began on October 1. Millions of passengers have suffered flight cancellations and delays linked to staff shortages since the lockdown began.
According to FlightAware, more than 2,000 flights taking off or landing at U.S. airports were delayed Tuesday, and more than 60 of those flights were canceled.
FAA Director Bryan Bedford said during the press conference, “We are in uncharted territory when it comes to government shutdowns,” he said. He specified that airspace surveillance has changed compared to that of a year ago, after the crash of a plane at Ronald Reagan airport last January. “We live in exceptional times and we look forward to the time when we can get back to normal,” Bedford said.
