ITHACA, N.Y. — Both Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, the two major carriers serving Ithaca Tompkins International Airport, have started canceling flights as Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-ordered reductions to flight operations enter their fifth day.
Delays first began on Friday at 40 major airports across the United States, and now cancellations are spreading to smaller regional airports like Ithaca.
FAA Flight Reduction Orders
The FAA issued the nationwide flight reduction orders as staffing shortages among air traffic controllers continued to worsen during the government shutdown.
The order requires airlines to cut daily domestic flights by:
- 4% as of Friday, Nov. 7
- 6% on Tuesday, Nov. 11
- 8% on Thursday, Nov. 13
- 10% by Friday, Nov. 14
These reductions are intended to ease strain on overworked air traffic control facilities, though they are now causing ripple effects throughout the aviation system.
Delta and United Cancel Ithaca Routes
Delta Air Lines has canceled all flights between Ithaca and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport for Tuesday and Wednesday.
United Airlines has also canceled one round-trip flight between Ithaca and Washington Dulles International Airport on Wednesday, according to the latest flight status updates.
Both airlines have issued flexible travel policies for affected customers:
- United: Passengers flying between November 6 and 13 can request a refund or reschedule for free.
- Delta: Travelers will have options to change or cancel flights without penalty.
Passengers are encouraged to check the Delta or United mobile apps, or visit united.com and delta.com for the latest updates.
Broader Impact in Central New York
Flight cancellations are also appearing at Syracuse Hancock International Airport, where Delta, United, and American Airlines have all removed several flights from their schedules for the coming days.
Each airline says schedule adjustments are currently published through Wednesday, with more cancellations expected later in the week as the FAA’s flight reduction plan continues.
What Travelers Should Know
- Check flight status early and often before heading to the airport.
- Allow extra time for rebooking or ground transportation alternatives.
- Monitor airline communication channels for real-time schedule updates.
With the FAA order expected to remain in effect until the government reopens and staffing levels stabilize, travelers flying through Ithaca or Syracuse should prepare for continued disruptions throughout the week.
