Because of the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, the FAA will begin reducing air traffic by up to 10% at 40 major U.S. airports from Friday, 7 November 2025. While international long-haul flights (including many Europe↔USA services) are initially exempt, European travellers should still expect knock-on delays and schedule changes at key hubs such as New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles and Dallas—especially if connecting to a domestic flight.

Key takeaways

• The FAA will cut flight capacity by 10% at 40 major US airports starting Friday, November 7, to manage air-traffic-control staffing during the government shutdown.
• International flights are initially exempt, but knock-on delays and schedule changes are still likely for Europe↔USA journeys.
• Expect the reduction to ramp from ~4% up toward 10% over several days. Airlines say they’ll prioritise long-haul operations where possible.

What exactly is happening?

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced it will reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 high-volume markets from Friday, November 7. Officials say this is a safety measure amid controller staffing strain during the ongoing government shutdown.

Early schedules indicate a phased rollout (around 4% at first, rising toward 10%) through the weekend into next week.

Are Europe↔USA flights being cut?

Not directly at first. US officials and airline briefings indicate international/long-haul flights are being exempted from the mandated cuts, with carriers focusing reductions on domestic and regional services. However, international flights can still face ground delays, arrival holding, gate congestion, and misconnected domestic legs.

United, for example, has told the media it plans to protect long-haul and hub-to-hub flying while trimming elsewhere. That’s a positive signal for transatlantic services—but irregular operations are still possible.

Which US airports (key for Europe) are on the FAA list?

ABC News published the airports the FAA plans to cap. For transatlantic travellers, the most relevant hubs include:

NYC area: JFK, Newark (EWR), LaGuardia (LGA)
Boston: BOS
Washington, DC area: Dulles (IAD), Reagan (DCA), Baltimore (BWI)
Chicago: O’Hare (ORD), Midway (MDW)
Atlanta: ATL
Miami + Florida: MIA, MCO, TPA
Texas: Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Dallas Love (DAL), Houston Intercontinental (IAH), Houston Hobby (HOU)
West Coast: Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), San Diego (SAN), Portland (PDX), plus Denver (DEN) and others.

What this means for European travellers

• Nonstop Europe→US flights are more likely to operate than short-haul domestic segments, but expect delays at capped airports—especially during 06:00–22:00 local when reductions apply. Build in patience at arrival.
• Connections in the US are the weak link. If you’re landing at a capped hub and connecting onward domestically, your second leg is at higher risk of delay or cancellation. Consider longer connection buffers or overnight connections if you can’t fly nonstop.
• Outbound US→Europe red-eyes may see gate/ground holds even if the flight itself isn’t cut—so monitor your flight status closely and don’t plan tight evening connections to reach your transatlantic departure.

Practical tips (do this now)

1. Stick to nonstops where possible (e.g., EU hub ↔ US hub). Fewer moving parts = fewer failure points under caps.
2. Add buffer time:
   – EU→US with US connection: Aim 3–4 hours minimum.
   – US→EU departing from a capped hub: Get to the airport early and avoid tight domestic feeders.
3. Use airline apps + SMS for instant rebooking options and push alerts. Many carriers are issuing flex waivers or lenient refunds during the cap period.
4. Check your rights (see below) and keep receipts for meals/hotels if you’re stranded overnight due to rebooking.

Your passenger rights (EU vs USA) in this scenario

Departing from the EU (EU-carrier or non-EU carrier):

• Under EU261, air-traffic-control restrictions are generally considered “extraordinary circumstances.” That means cash compensation usually isn’t payable for cancellations/delays caused by FAA caps.
• You still have rights to care and rerouting (meals, hotel if necessary, rebooking at the earliest opportunity), depending on the delay length.

In the US (regardless of airline nationality):

• If your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed and you choose not to travel, the US DOT says you’re entitled to a refund to your original form of payment. (What counts as “significant” depends on airline policy and DOT guidance.)

FAQ

Will my transatlantic flight be cancelled?
Likely not due to the cap itself—international flights are being exempted initially—but delays are possible and connections may be disrupted.

When do the cuts begin, and how big are they?
Friday, November 7, starting ~4% and ramping toward 10% at 40 major markets.

Which US cities are most affected by European routes?
New York City, Washington DC, Boston, Chicago, Miami, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, Denver and others on the FAA list.

What are airlines saying?
Carriers indicate they’ll protect long-haul flying, with refund flexibility in many cases. United specifically told the media the FAA directive would not cut its long-haul and hub-to-hub operations.