FAA Orders Flight Cuts At 40 Airports As Federal Government Shutdown Reaches Day 38

BALTIMORE — On day 38 of the federal government shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration is ordering airlines to trim schedules at dozens of the nation’s busiest airports, a move that will ripple through Maryland travel and the state’s large federal workforce starting Friday.

The FAA said it will reduce air traffic by 10% in 40 high-volume markets because air traffic control staffing is stretched by the shutdown. The cuts begin in phases Friday, with the full 10% reduction due by Friday, Nov. 14, under an emergency order issued late Thursday.

In an official statement Thursday, Transportation Department leaders and the FAA administrator said the agency is taking “proactive” safety steps, phasing reductions from about 4% this weekend to 10% next week, and focusing the cuts on domestic flights between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. They said the limits will be lifted once funding resumes and system stress subsides.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is on the list, along with the region’s two Washington airports. Airlines are adjusting schedules and warning travelers to expect longer lines and potential delays as they comply.

Officials framed the reductions as a safety measure as controllers and other aviation personnel continue working without pay. Major hubs around New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta and Dallas are also affected, raising the odds of knock-on delays even for flights that aren’t cut.

For Marylanders, the near-term effects are most visible at BWI: fewer peak-hour departures and arrivals, tighter rebooking options and heavier crowds at security heading into the holiday travel period.

Beyond airports, Maryland feels shutdown pain acutely because of its concentration of federal employees and contractors. Workers at agencies and facilities across the state are facing delayed paychecks, and some grants, research activities and park services could see deeper slowdowns if the standoff continues, even as essential functions remain in place.

What travelers can do: Check flight status early and often, allow extra time at BWI, consider off-peak departures if offered by your carrier, and review refund or change-fee policies now that schedules are being thinned under federal order.

The shutdown began Oct. 1 and, as of Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, shows no immediate resolution. Aviation unions and industry groups are urging Congress to fund the government and restore full staffing before Thanksgiving week.

---