The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that it will cut flight capacity by 10% for over 40 major airports across the country, including the Hartsfield Jackson Airport in Atlanta, GA. This announcement comes as a response to the prolonged government shutdown, as the FAA simply can’t afford to pay existing workers and hire new ones.
This was revealed in a press conference held by Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. Specifically, they announced that 10% of air traffic would be cut to compensate for the pressure that the FAA is currently facing.
Duffy explained how he had requested air traffic controllers to continue working despite the interruptions in their pay.
“We have asked [air traffic controllers] to show up for work, but I’m not naive to understand that they’re trying to figure out how they meet their daily obligations,” Duffy stated. “Because of that, we have seen staffing pressures throughout our airspace. Those who travel will see that we’ve had more delays. We’ve had more cancellations.”
More than 400 staffing shortages have been reported since the start of the shutdown, which is four times larger than last year. Beginning November 7, 4% of existing flights are set to be cancelled, but nothing is concrete at the moment.
Bedford also commented on this development, emphasizing the necessity of cutting traffic in the wake of shortages and increased pressure.
"Our sole role is to make sure that we keep this airspace as safe as possible. Reduction in capacity at 40 of our locations," Bedford stated. "This is not based on light airline travel locations. This is about where the pressure is and how to really deviate the pressure."
Representative Rich McCormick (R-GA) took to social media to pin all the blame on Senate Democrats and the "Schumer Shutdown." He highlighted how Democrats’ refusal to collaborate has gone so far as to negatively impact the busiest airport in the country.
Because of the Schumer Shutdown, the FAA is now cutting flights at 40 major airports, including Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, the world’s busiest airport. Democrats' refusal to pass the House’s clean funding bill is putting safety, jobs, and families at risk. End the shutdown.…
— Congressman Rich McCormick, MBA MD (@RepMcCormick) November 6, 2025
