SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — President Donald Trump’s plan to reduce U.S. air traffic by 10% starting Friday will impact Bay Area airports and a total of 40 major airports nationwide, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The move comes as the government shutdown continues to strain the air travel system. Air traffic controllers — many of whom are working without pay — have been increasingly calling off work, leading to nationwide disruptions.
Early Flight Cancellations Begin
More than 500 flights scheduled for Friday have already been canceled nationwide, with the number continuing to climb through Thursday, according to FlightAware, a flight tracking website.
The cuts are part of the FAA’s plan to reduce flights in high-volume markets to ease pressure on overworked staff.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has ramped up political pressure on Congressional Democrats to end the shutdown as travel chaos worsens.
Which Airports Will Be Affected?
According to an internal FAA list obtained by the Associated Press, 40 of the busiest U.S. airports are expected to face flight reductions.
In California, that includes:
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Ontario International Airport (ONT)
- San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Which Flights Are Being Canceled?
An FAA source told ABC News that the cuts will apply primarily to domestic flights, while international routes will remain unaffected.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby confirmed that hub-to-hub flights and international routes will continue, while regional flights using smaller aircraft like Boeing 737s are likely to be cut.
“Delta expects to operate the vast majority of our flights as scheduled, including all long-haul international service,” the airline said in a statement. “We’re working to minimize customer impact while keeping safety our top priority.”
How to Check If Your Flight Is Affected
Passengers are expected to receive notifications of cancellations starting Thursday. Airlines will reach out to travelers directly via email or text alerts.
SFO spokesperson Doug Yakel said that each airline will handle the FAA’s reduction order independently, urging passengers to contact their airlines directly for updates.
You can also use these tools to track changes and delays:
- FlightAware.com – to monitor cancellations in real time.
- FAA National Airspace System Status – to check for active airport events such as staffing shortages or weather issues.
What to Do If Your Flight Is Canceled
If your flight is canceled, airlines will rebook you at no extra charge on a later flight.
You may request a refund if you decide not to travel — even for nonrefundable tickets. U.S. law requires airlines to refund the full amount when they cancel a flight for any reason.
Major carriers including United, Delta, and American Airlines have also said they’ll offer refunds or travel credits to any passengers who choose not to fly during this period.
However, airlines are not required to pay additional compensation such as hotel stays or meal vouchers for delays and cancellations — even if the airline is at fault.
What If My Flight Isn’t Canceled?
Even if your flight remains on schedule, expect longer TSA lines and potential delays due to staffing shortages.
At most airports, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees are federal workers affected by the shutdown. One exception is SFO, where TSA screening is handled by private contractors, meaning operations there are currently less disrupted.
Travelers should arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international departures.
Will Thanksgiving Travel Be Impacted?
Experts warn that if the shutdown continues into late November, Thanksgiving week could bring widespread delays and cancellations.
“During one of the busiest times of the year, a lot of travelers are going to get stranded,” said William J. McGee, senior fellow for aviation and travel at the American Economic Liberties Project.
The Sunday after Thanksgiving in 2024 set a record with 3.09 million passengers screened by TSA — and this year could surpass that, experts say.
To prepare, travel experts recommend:
- Booking refundable tickets or flight credits when possible.
- Choosing nonstop flights to minimize the chance of missed connections.
- Opting for early departures, which are less likely to be delayed.
Has This Happened Before?
This level of nationwide flight reduction is unprecedented, according to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.
“I’m not aware in my 35-year aviation career of a situation where we’ve taken these kinds of measures,” Bedford said. “We’re in new territory.”
The last major travel disruption tied to a government shutdown occurred in 2018–2019, when air traffic controller absences caused delays across major airports — ultimately pressuring lawmakers to reopen the government.
