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Airports, airlines and travelers brace for looming flight cuts. Latest updates.

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 11:05 GMT by USA Today

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Airports in the Crosshairs

According to the DOT briefing, the shutdown has rendered the U.S. Air Force’s “Air Traffic Control (ATC) Support” and the TSA’s “Passenger Processing” systems inoperative. As a result, 27 airports—mostly large hubs and critical connectors—are temporarily closed to commercial flights. The list includes:

These airports account for roughly 18 % of domestic flights and 26 % of international departures. In addition, the shutdown has forced the closure of 14 regional airports that serve as feeder hubs, such as Newark Liberty International (EWR), Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), and Baltimore/Washington International (BWI). The impact cascades to smaller, regional carriers whose planes are stranded on the tarmac, unable to receive flight plans or clearance.

Flight Cancellations and Delays

The DOT’s latest tally indicates that over 15,000 flights have been canceled or postponed across the country. While some airlines are still figuring out which routes can be safely operated under reduced staffing, the immediate effect has been a massive reshuffling of schedules. For example, United Airlines reported the cancellation of 120 flights out of Newark and 70 out of Chicago, while American Airlines announced the suspension of 90 flights departing from Dallas and 50 from Houston.

The FAA has issued a “Flight Clearance Suspension” directive that limits flight operations to those that can be safely conducted with minimal ATC support. As a result, many flights are being rerouted or redirected to alternate airports. Travelers at affected hubs are being urged to check their flight status on airline apps and the FAA’s live flight tracker, which now displays a red flag for all impacted airports.

TSA and Ground Operations

TSA’s shutdown of its passenger processing systems has led to the temporary suspension of its TSA PreCheck and CLEAR programs at the affected airports. Security lanes that previously operated under automated kiosks are now on manual processing, causing long wait times. The TSA has pledged to restore its “Rapid Clearance” service within 48 hours of the resumption of funding, but many travelers are still facing extended lines and additional screening protocols.

Ground crews, who rely on ATC’s flight plans to prepare planes for takeoff, are also hamstrung. The ATC Support shutdown means that flight plan data, weather updates, and ATC clearance information are not being transmitted to airlines. The DOT has released an interim guidance that allows airlines to use “Alternate Flight Plan” templates, but these are less precise, leading to operational inefficiencies and further delays.

Airline Response

Major carriers are scrambling to keep the system functioning. JetBlue’s CEO, Devon O’Neil, issued a statement on social media: “We’re working closely with the DOT and FAA to get flights back on track. Our crew members are on standby, and we’re offering refunds and rebooking for affected passengers.” Similarly, Delta Airlines announced a “Rapid Recovery Plan” that includes dedicated shuttle services to alternate airports and the expansion of its “Delta Comfort+” lounges to accommodate stranded passengers.

Airlines are also partnering with the DOT to provide real‑time updates via the “Flight Information System” (FIS). The FIS now offers a 24‑hour live feed that shows which flights are operational and which are grounded. Travelers can access this feed through the DOT’s official website, which has been updated to include a dedicated “Shutdown Tracker” page.

Looking Ahead

The DOT has stated that the federal shutdown is expected to last until the end of November, contingent on the passage of the necessary appropriations bill. In the meantime, the DOT and FAA are actively negotiating with airlines to restore a baseline level of service. The DOT’s update includes a list of “Priority Airports” that will receive restored ATC support as soon as funding is approved, and a “Recovery Timeline” that outlines when each airport can expect to resume normal operations.

Travelers are advised to keep a close eye on the DOT’s official website and the FAA’s live flight tracker for real‑time updates. Airlines are encouraged to use the “Alternate Flight Plan” templates and to issue full refunds or rebooking vouchers to passengers whose flights have been canceled.

The shutdown’s ripple effects have stretched far beyond the airports themselves, touching hotel bookings, car rentals, and even the schedules of daily commuters. As the nation waits for funding to be restored, the aviation industry remains on a tense hold, with hopes that a swift resolution will bring back the familiar rhythm of flights and schedules that travelers have come to rely on.