UPDATE: United Airlines has just announced significant flight reductions due to ongoing staffing shortages at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as the government shutdown continues. Starting today, October 8, 2025, the airline will cancel approximately 4% of its schedule in select markets, impacting thousands of travelers nationwide.
Flight delays and cancellations are escalating, and major airlines are responding to the FAA’s urgent directive to cut back on operations. United’s chief customer officer, David Kinzelman, assured travelers in an interview with ABC News that the majority will be unaffected by the cancellations. “We are getting those cancellations in today for tomorrow through Sunday,” he stated, emphasizing that this proactive approach allows passengers to seek alternatives in advance.
Currently, United Airlines is implementing “rolling updates” to its flight schedules, enabling better communication with passengers. Kinzelman noted that the cuts would primarily affect regional flights, which connect smaller airports to major hubs. Passengers flying from Newark Liberty International Airport to Chicago O’Hare International Airport or Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport should not expect disruptions, as these routes are crucial for the airline’s operations.
Delta Air Lines has reported cancelling around 170 flights today, with expectations for fewer cancellations tomorrow due to lower travel volumes. Meanwhile, American Airlines plans to scrap 220 flights from its daily schedule of 6,000 flights through the weekend. All three airlines are now waiving change and cancellation fees, allowing customers to rebook or receive refunds if they choose not to travel.
Travel experts recommend downloading airline apps for instant notifications and rebooking options in case of cancellations. Morning flights are reportedly the least impacted, providing travelers with better opportunities to find alternate routes if necessary.
As airlines brace for the chaotic impacts of the FAA’s 48-hour notice for schedule adjustments, industry insiders warn that fluctuations in flight availability may continue through the weekend. “It’s going to be really, really chaotic and hugely disruptive for the traveling public,” said Henry Harvedelt, president of Atmosphere Research.
In a deleted LinkedIn post, Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle advised travelers to secure backup tickets with alternate carriers to avoid being stranded. His guidance underscores the urgency for passengers to remain vigilant amidst this developing situation.
The FAA oversees more than 44,000 flights daily, including commercial, cargo, and private aircraft. As airlines prepare for the upcoming holiday travel surge, with projections of 31 million travelers during the Thanksgiving period, these reductions aim to mitigate larger disruptions in the weeks ahead.
Travelers are encouraged to stay informed and check with their airlines frequently for updates, as conditions are expected to evolve rapidly. With the government shutdown ongoing, the travel landscape remains uncertain, making immediate awareness crucial for all passengers.
Stay tuned for further updates as airlines continue to adjust their schedules in real-time.
