November 6, 2025regulatory actionaviationfederal regulationpublic safetyaviationregulationlabor

FAA Orders Flight Cuts at 40 Airports as Controller Staffing Collapses

The FAA issued an emergency order on Nov. 6, 2025, directing airlines to cut flights at 40 high-traffic airports, starting at 4% and set to climb to 10%. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford acted after facility staffing shortages spiked, peaking at a record 81 in one day on Nov. 8.

Sources

DOT and FAA Announce Temporary 10% Reduction in Flights at 40 Airports FAA will reduce air traffic by 10% at many airports to maintain safety