FAA flight cuts take effect Friday; airlines outline refund options and advice for travelers

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is ordering airlines to cut about 10% of flights at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports beginning Friday in response to ongoing staffing shortages among unpaid air traffic controllers during the federal government shutdown.

FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker said the move is meant to relieve pressure on the national airspace system and keep it operating safely amid rising signs of fatigue among air traffic controllers. He said the step is precautionary and intended to prevent safety problems before they occur.

“We’re not waiting for a safety problem to manifest itself,” Whitaker said during the press conference. “We’re acting proactively to keep the system safe.”

The FAA is short about 2,000 air traffic controllers nationwide, and nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers have gone weeks without pay. Many have taken side jobs to cover expenses. FAA officials said the reductions will be distributed proportionally across airlines and airports in high-traffic areas where staffing shortages are most severe.

The agency expects to release a list of the affected airports sometime Thursday. However, CBS News reported that Tampa International Airport (TPA), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International (FLL) are on the preliminary list of affected airports provided to the news outlet by inside sources.

TPA Spokesperson C.J. Johnson reported Thursday that the airport had not yet seen cancellations tied to the federal government shutdown, but has not confirmed whether the airport is among those affected by the FAA directive.

Johnson said passengers should continue to check directly with their airlines for the latest flight information. Travelers can also monitor real-time updates through the airport’s website at tampaairport.com/delays-and-cancellations.

Major airlines began notifying customers this week about the FAA’s order, posting updates on their websites and official social media accounts. Each airline is taking a slightly different approach to schedule adjustments and refunds.

Southwest Airlines stated on its website that it would automatically rebook customers whose flights are canceled and notify them through their contact information. Customers who choose not to travel are eligible for a full refund. 

“Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of our customers and employees,” the airline stated on social media. 

United Airlines said in a statement posted on social media that it will make rolling updates to its schedule beginning Friday to provide several days’ notice of any changes. The airline stated that long-haul international and hub-to-hub flights will continue as planned, while reductions focus on regional and domestic routes outside of its hub network.

All passengers, including those with nonrefundable and basic economy fares, may request refunds even if their flights are not canceled. United said travelers will be notified of any schedule changes through the United app, text alerts or the company’s website.

American Airlines said on its website that it expects “the vast majority” of its customers’ travel to be unaffected. The airline said it is still awaiting additional information from the FAA to determine which flights will be impacted, but will contact passengers directly if schedule changes occur. 

Delta Air Lines posted a similar notice on its website, indicating the airline is working to minimize disruptions and expects most flights to remain on schedule. The airline is offering all customers the ability to change, cancel or refund their flights without penalty during the affected period. 

Frontier Airlines said in a post on its website that most of its flights will operate normally, but that some schedule changes may be necessary beginning Friday. The airline said it will communicate directly with customers via email, text or the Frontier app if their flights are canceled or delayed by more than three hours on domestic routes or six hours on international routes. Affected customers can rebook or request a refund.

FAA officials said they will continue to monitor conditions and may take additional steps if staffing pressures worsen or the shutdown continues.

“The system is extremely safe today, and it will be extremely safe tomorrow,” Whitaker said. “But if the pressures continue to build, we will take additional measures.”