No FAA-ordered shutdown is causing 700+ flight cancellations today. Recent disruptions stem from a November 2025 government shutdown (Nov 7-16) that led to air traffic controller staffing shortages, prompting FAA emergency orders for 4-10% flight reductions at 40 high-impact airports (e.g., ATL, ORD, LGA). Over 1,700 flights were canceled on peak days like Nov 8-9, but the order ended Nov 17 after shutdown resolution, with normal operations resuming.
November 2025 Shutdown Impact Recap
The FAA mandated progressive cuts at 40 busy airports (0600-2200 local) due to unpaid controllers:
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Nov 7: 4% reduction (~700 cancellations Day 1)
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Nov 11: 6%
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Planned Nov 14: 10% (halted early)
Total: 5M+ passengers affected, 1,200-3,000 daily cancellations peaking Nov 7-9. Hubs like ATL, ORD, LGA hit hardest. International flights exempt.
Current Flight Disruptions (Dec 3, 2025)
Today’s issues (~1,800 delays, 490 cancellations per FlightAware/NAS Status) relate to weather (rain/snow in BOS, NYC, ORD), not FAA shutdowns. Check FAA NAS Status for live updates—no restrictions active.
Tips for Travelers
Monitor FlightAware or airline apps.
FAA probes non-compliance (fines up to $75k/flight).
Past NOTAM outages (Jan/Feb 2025) caused brief ground stops, resolved via backups.
SOURCE
FAQs
Q1: Was there an FAA shutdown today?
No—November’s shutdown order ended Nov 17; today’s delays are weather-related.
Q2: Why 700+ cancellations in November?
Staffing shortages from shutdown forced 4-10% cuts at 40 airports.
Q3: Check current status where?
FAA NAS Status (nasstatus.faa.gov) or FlightAware
