FLIGHTS are set to be cut at 40 major airports across the US in a move that threatens to spark even more travel chaos for Americans during the government shutdown.

Federal officials have compiled a list of hubs that will see their capacity reduced from Friday.

The drastic action has been taken by FAA officials to ensure airspace across the country remains safe. 

Airports on the list include New York’s JFK airport, Orlando, Miami, Philadelphia and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, according to ABC News.

Hartsfield-Jackson is considered the world’s busiest airport.

Texas airports set to see flight cancelations include Dallas Fort-Worth, Dallas Love airport, Houston Hobby, and Houston Intercontinental.

Disruption is expected in the Sunshine State, with Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Miami and Tampa airports all named on the list.

Flights departing Las Vegas and Los Angeles will also see cancelations and around 120 flights expected to leave Chicago on Friday will be cut.

Disruption at Denver, Indianapolis, Portland, and Phoenix airports is also expected.

The order also includes airports in Alaska, and Hawaii.

The list of airports affected in full:

• Anchorage
• Hartsfield-Jackson, Atlanta
• Boston Logan
• Baltimore/Washington
• Charlotte
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky
• Dallas Love
• Ronald Reagan Washington
• Denver
• Dallas Fort-Worth
• Detroit
• Newark
• Fort Lauderdale
• Honolulu
• Houston Hobby
• Houston Intercontinental
• Washington Dulles
• Indianapolis
• New York’s JFK
• Las Vegas
• Los Angeles
• LaGuardia, New York
• Orlando
• Chicago Medway
• Memphis International
• Miami
• Minneapolis St Paul
• Oakland
• Ontario
• Chicago O’Hare
• Portland
• Philadelphia
• Phoenix
• San Diego
• Louisville
• Seattle/Tacoma
• San Francisco
• Salt Lake City
• Teterboro
• Tampa

Stark travel warning flights will be canceled after weekend of chaos saw 9k delays & airports grind to halt

FLIGHT CHAOS

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Up to 10% of flights taking off between 6am and 10pm are set to be reduced.

But, travelers jetting abroad can breathe some sigh of relief as international flights are exempt.

That means services connecting US airports to Europe will still go ahead as planned – barring any last-minute disruption.

Sean Duffy, the US Transportation Secretary, had already warned travelers officials might be forced into closing the airspace.

He warned passengers will see “mass chaos” if the shutdown continues.

The shutdown, which was triggered after lawmakers in Congress failed to pass a stopgap spending bill, is now the longest in American political history.

It has surpassed the 2018-19 federal government closure in terms of length. That particular shutdown lasted for 35 days.

The current shutdown is now in its 37th day.

Duffy had already alluded to the prospect that flights could be canceled before issuing the ominous travel warning.

He stressed officials would do whatever necessary to keep the airspace safe.

Bryan Bedford, the FAA Administrator, warned the US is in “new territory” when it comes to shutdowns.

“‘I’m not aware in my 35-year history in the aviation market where we’ve had a situation where we’re taking these kinds of measures,” he said.

More than 3,800 delays within, into, or out of the US were reported on Wednesday, according to FlightAware.

The number stood at more than 4,300 on Tuesday, and 4,728 on Monday.

AIRLINE REACTION

Major US airlines have started to react to the FAA’s order.

American Airlines has tried to reassure travelers.

“We expect the vast majority of customers’ travel will proceed as planned, and we will proactively reach out to customers who are impacted as schedule changes are made,” a statement on X says.

The carrier has urged travelers to check flight statuses on its app or website.

Responding to one customer, American revealed flights on November 6 will operate as planned.

The airline confirmed travelers will be offered rebooking options for any affected flights.

Meanwhile, Scott Kirby, the United CEO, revealed travelers who don’t want to fly during the reduction period can get refunded.

This even applies to passengers booked on flights that are not affected by the disruption, per a memo sent to staffers.

Kirby confirmed United’s long-haul operation would not be impacted.

He expects the airline and its partners to offer around 4,000 flights – even with the restrictions.

“And because of the early November timing, our flights have more seats available than before the summer, meaning we should be able to find seats for many customers even if their flight is canceled,” he said.