Exclusive: US to slash air traffic by 10% at 40 airports amid shutdown

Last edited Wed Nov 5, 2025, 05:03 PM - Edit history (1)

Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON, Nov 5 (Reuters) - U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed on Wednesday that he would order a 10% reduction in scheduled air traffic at 40 major airports starting Friday unless a deal to end the federal government shutdown is reached.

The shutdown, now in its 36th day, has forced 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers to work without pay. This has worsened staff shortages, caused widespread flight delays and extended lines at airport security screening.

We had a gut check of what is our job," Duffy told reporters, explaining why he made the decision.

Reuters earlier reported the plan.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-may-cut-air-traffic-10-by-friday-without-shutdown-deal-sources-say-2025-11-05/

Duffy: "There's going to be a 10% reduction in capacity at 40 of our locations."

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 2025-11-05T21:20:46.926Z