URGENT UPDATE: Airlines are facing a significant disruption as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered an immediate cut of 10% of flights at 40 major airports starting Friday due to a government shutdown. This crisis is causing widespread uncertainty for travelers, and the impact on flight schedules is already being felt.
As early as Friday, July 15, 2025, passengers should brace for potential cancellations and delays. Major airports, including New York’s LaGuardia, are among those affected, leading airlines to scramble in response to staffing shortages in air traffic control.
United Airlines has announced that its long-haul international flights and those between its key hubs will continue to operate as scheduled. CEO Scott Kirby emphasized the importance of maintaining flight integrity, stating, “That’s important to maintain the integrity of our network and give impacted customers as many options as possible to resume their trip.”
In stark contrast, regional and domestic flights that do not connect through major hubs are likely to face cancellations. United operates hubs in Chicago O’Hare, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, which could see significant disruptions.
Frontier Airlines is also navigating this challenging situation. CEO Barry Biffle urged travelers to consider alternative arrangements, stating, “If your flight is canceled, your chances of being stranded are high, so I would simply have a backup ticket on another airline.” Frontier expects most of its flights to operate as planned but will keep customers informed of any necessary changes.
Other carriers, including American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, are still assessing the impact of the FAA’s order. American Airlines has indicated it is awaiting further details from the FAA but expects the “vast majority” of customers to remain unaffected. However, they plan to proactively communicate with those who may be impacted.
Southwest Airlines is also evaluating how the FAA flight reductions will alter its schedule and promises to inform customers promptly of any changes.
As of now, airlines are working tirelessly to minimize the chaos caused by this sudden change. Travelers are strongly advised to check their flight status directly with their airlines, as cancellations and schedule changes are likely to be communicated on short notice.
With the travel industry already under pressure, these developments could lead to further frustration for passengers. Travelers should prepare for possible disruptions and remain vigilant in following updates from their respective airlines.
Stay tuned as we continue to monitor this developing story.
