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✈️ FAA-Imposed Flight Cuts Hit NYC Airports Amid Shutdown
By Samantha Vogel, Editor, Long Island Daily News
As of today, November 7, travelers passing through New York City’s major airports—JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark—are facing a wave of delays and cancellations as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) begins enforcing nationwide flight reductions. The cuts, prompted by a shortage of air traffic controllers during the ongoing government shutdown, are expected to escalate over the coming week.
📉 What’s Happening?
Under an emergency FAA order, airlines must reduce operations at 40 high-impact airports across the country. For NYC-area hubs, this means:
- 4% reduction in flights starting today
- 6% by Tuesday, November 11
- 8% by Thursday, November 13
- 10% by Friday, November 14
Any airline exceeding these limits faces fines of $75,000 per flight. The FAA says the move is necessary to maintain safety as staffing levels reach critical lows.
🛫 Impact on NYC Travelers
As of Friday morning:
- JFK reported 42 delays and 36 cancellations
- LaGuardia had 7 delays and 39 cancellations
- Newark saw 26 delays and 43 cancellations
These numbers are expected to rise, especially during peak travel hours. International flights remain largely unaffected, but domestic routes—especially short-haul and regional connections—are bearing the brunt.
🧭 What You Can Do
Travelers are advised to:
- Check flight status early and often
- Rebook for morning departures when possible
- Avoid tight connections under 90 minutes
- Use airline apps for waivers and refunds
Delta, American, and United have issued change-fee waivers for affected flights. Some travelers are opting to reroute through secondary airports or shift to earlier travel dates to avoid disruptions.
🏙️ Long Island Implications
With Thanksgiving just weeks away, Long Island residents planning to fly from NYC airports should brace for longer lines and limited options. Travel advisors recommend booking alternate routes or considering nearby airports like Islip MacArthur for less congestion.
🗣️ FAA’s Message
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized that the cuts are “unprecedented but necessary” to protect passengers and staff. Air traffic controllers have been working without pay since October 1, and sick calls are rising as the shutdown stretches into its sixth week.
Bottom line: If you're flying out of JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark this week, plan ahead, stay flexible, and expect turbulence—not in the air, but on the ground.
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