The flight reductions aim to alleviate pressure on air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay since the shutdown began on October 1. The affected airports include major hubs like Philadelphia International Airport, Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson, and Los Angeles International Airport. The FAA's decision comes as air traffic controllers face increasing stress and fatigue, having missed one paycheck and facing the prospect of missing another.
The flight cuts are expected to impact thousands of flights and hundreds of thousands of passengers, with airlines like United, Delta, and American offering refunds to those who choose not to fly. Politico reports that the reductions will be phased in, starting at 4 percent and increasing to 10 percent over the weekend.
FAA’s Focus
- The FAA’s reduction targets high-volume markets to relieve pressure on air traffic controllers working without pay during the shutdown.
- The goal is to maintain safety and reduce delays, not to penalize smaller or regional airports.
If you're flying through Lehigh Valley soon, it’s a good idea to check with your airline for any schedule changes, especially if your trip involves connecting flights through impacted hubs.
Harrisburg International Airport could potentially experience flight reductions, but it is not currently listed among the 40 major U.S. airports facing immediate cuts.
Harrisburg International Airport (HIA) is not among the 40 airports experiencing flight reductions due to the ongoing government shutdown. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a 10% cut in flights at major airports to address fatigue among air traffic controllers and TSA staff, who have been working unpaid since the shutdown began on October 1.
While HIA remains unaffected, travelers may still face disruptions in their plans. The reductions, which started today, impact high-volume airports like Baltimore/Washington and Philadelphia, potentially affecting connecting flights and destinations for HIA passengers.
Here’s what’s important to know:
- The reductions target high-volume airports, primarily those with the greatest strain on air traffic control resources.
- Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) is not currently on the FAA’s published list of affected airports.
- However, secondary impacts are possible. If major hub airports reduce capacity, connecting flights and regional routes—including those to or from Harrisburg—could be indirectly affected.
- The FAA emphasized that these cuts are temporary and aimed at maintaining safety and preventing controller fatigue during the shutdown.
If you're planning to travel through Harrisburg or book flights soon, it’s wise to monitor updates from the airport and airlines, especially if your itinerary includes connections through major hubs like Philadelphia, Newark, or Washington D.C.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a 10 percent reduction in flights at 40 major U.S. airports starting today (November 7) due to the ongoing government shutdown. However, Lehigh Valley International Airport (LVIA) in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is not among the affected airports. Despite this, travelers in the area may still experience disruptions due to changes in connecting flights and destinations.
While LVIA remains unaffected, travelers should be aware that the situation could change if the shutdown continues. The FAA has not released an official order detailing the specifics of the restrictions, and the list of affected airports could evolve. passengers are advised to check with airlines for updates and consider alternative travel methods, such as trains or buses, to avoid potential disruptions.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is one of the 40 major U.S. airports facing a 10% reduction in flight capacity starting November 7, 2025.
This decision by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is part of a nationwide effort to ease pressure on air traffic controllers who have been working without pay due to the prolonged government shutdown.
Key Details for Philadelphia Travelers
- PHL is officially on the FAA’s list of airports subject to flight reductions.
- The cuts begin today, and are expected to affect thousands of flights daily across the country.
- Two TSA checkpoints at PHL—Terminal A-West and Terminal F—were temporarily closed on November 5, possibly due to staffing shortages.
- Airlines operating out of PHL are adjusting schedules, and travelers may experience fewer flight options or cancellations
What You Can Do
- Check your flight status regularly with your airline.
- Arrive early at the airport, especially if flying from affected terminals.
- Consider alternative airports like Lehigh Valley (ABE) or Harrisburg (MDT) if your route is impacted.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is one of the 40 major U.S. airports facing a 10% reduction in flight capacity starting November 7, 2025.
This is part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) nationwide response to the ongoing government shutdown, which has left thousands of air traffic controllers and TSA agents working without pay.
Key Details for BWI Travelers
- BWI is officially listed among the affected airports where flight capacity will be reduced.
- The cuts begin today and will be phased in—starting at 4% and increasing to 10% over several days.
- Flights between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. are most likely to be impacted, while international flights are generally exempt
Why BWI Is Affected
- BWI is a high-volume regional hub serving both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., making it a critical node in the FAA’s air traffic network.
- The FAA is prioritizing controller safety and fatigue management, especially at airports with heavy domestic traffic.
What You Can Do
- Check your flight status frequently, especially if flying during peak hours.
- Arrive early, as TSA staffing shortages may cause longer security lines.
- Consider alternative airports like Dulles (IAD) or Reagan National (DCA) if your route is affected.