Customer Advisory: U.S. FAA Orders 10% U.S. Flight Cut Amid Shutdown

On November 5, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration announced a managed reduction in flight movements at 40 high-volume U.S. airports to maintain safety during the ongoing federal shutdown. The cut begins Friday, November 7 and phases up over several days (approximately 4% Friday, 5% Saturday, 6% Sunday) before reaching 10% next week.

While long-haul international and hub-to-hub services are initially prioritized to continue, industry reporting notes that domestic reductions can still create network ripple effects—including delays, schedule changes, and tighter airfreight connectivity—particularly during peak season.

Scope and potential impacts

• Airports affected: Major passenger and cargo gateways will be impacted, including JFK, EWR, ATL, ORD, DEN, and LAX. This raises the likelihood of belly capacity constraints, freighter schedule adjustments, and downstream connection challenges even when international sectors operate.
• Peak-season sensitivity: Logistics stakeholders warn that flight reductions during the holiday peak can slow airfreight flows and lengthen recovery times if disruptions cascade.
• Escalation risk if shutdown persists: Separate industry reporting highlights the possibility of reduced operations or temporary closures at some airports should staffing pressures intensify, with potential knock-on effects for international schedules.

KWE will continue monitoring FAA advisories and airline schedule changes and will keep you updated as conditions evolve. For shipment-level guidance, please contact your local KWE representative.

Sources

• Why the FAA Ordered a 10% Flight Reduction | GovFacts
• Potential US airport closures loom as government shutdown drags on - Air Cargo Week
• FAA flight cuts hit air freight capacity

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