Starting on Friday, Nov. 7, airlines nationwide will be cancelling hundreds of flights due to air traffic control facilities struggling with severe staffing shortages. The FAA said that these reductions were necessary to “relieve pressure” on air traffic controllers who have been working without pay since the government shutdown.
The federal government shut down for the first time in seven years on Oct. 1, 2025 after Congress failed to pass a funding bill because of disagreements over federal spending and border security. As the shutdown enters its second month, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that there would be a 10% reduction in air traffic across 40 major United States airports, including Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, after concerns grew about unpaid air traffic controllers being overworked and too exhausted to safely manage flights.
The Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy, and the FAA administrator, Bryan Bedford, said that the decision to let go of a portion of air traffic controllers was made to keep flights safe, especially since these air traffic controllers continue to work long hours without pay.
“We’re not going to do anything that will compromise the safety of air travel in the United States,” Bedford said.
One of the 40 major U.S. airports that the FAA announced would be reducing air traffic control is the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF). Officials confirmed that on Nov. 7, 2025, ten passenger flights were canceled at the SDF airport, around 6.5% of the day’s total flights.
Most of the cancelled flights were headed to or arriving from major hub cities such as Dallas–Fort Worth and Chicago.
“Passengers affected by these changes have been contacted by their airline for rebooking or other travel options,” said Natalie Chaudoin, Director of Public Relations for the Louisville Regional Airport Authority.
The flight cancellations included flights from companies such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. United Airlines said it plans to cut most of their smaller regional routes, while Delta Air Lines and American Airlines promised to refund passengers who decided not to fly.
Across the country, up to 1,800 flights could be canceled, which would affect almost 270,00 travelers. Airline officials warn citizens that the disruption in flights could worsen as the shutdown continues.
Louisville’s role as a major United Parcel Service (UPS) cargo hub could also be affected if flight reductions continue. Air traffic controllers are considered to be essential workers, and even though they haven’t been paid since Oct. 1, they are still required to report to work. Many of these traffic controllers are now working six days a week or taking on a side job to cover their living expenses.
“Obviously, what we’re doing can’t replace getting a paycheck, but we want them to know that we’re thinking about them, that we appreciate the sacrifices they’re making,” said Bob Travis, president of the Independent Pilots Association.
The FAA has since stated that flight reductions will remain in place until the staffing levels go back to normal. Travelers are encouraged to check with their airlines for any new updates before heading to the airport.
