Airport face potential delays, cancellations as FAA cuts flights

CHARLOTTE — The Federal Aviation Administration announced a 10% reduction in air traffic across 40 high-volume airports starting Friday, as the government shutdown continues to affect air traffic controllers.

Many are calling out because they either can’t afford to get to work, or they don’t have childcare.

This move will significantly impact travelers flying in and out of major airports, including Charlotte Douglas Airport.

Charlotte Douglas released a statement Thursday morning, saying in part, “we have not been notified of any reductions at CLT at this time. Our airline partners, including American, will determine and communicate any schedule changes directly to customers.”

Although it seems calm now, experts say those cancellations and delays could come at a moment’s notice.

This decision to reduce flights comes from the FAA to try and give their workers a break. Currently, there is a shortage of over 400 air traffic controllers. That means many of them have been working long hours and extra days to make up the workload.

If you have a flight coming up in the next few days, experts say you need to make a plan now about how you’re going to get where you’re going.

Every airline is being affected differently, but the CRO of Frontier Airlines warns some passengers could get stranded. He suggests people flying Frontier within the next 10 days should book back-up tickets.

American Airlines said in a post on X that they don’t expect any effects Thursday at CLT.

Customers whose flights are canceled can change their flight or ask for a refund without a penalty.

Channel 9’s Dave Faherty spoke with travelers Thursday afternoon.

Ellen Owens heading to New York this weekend for a girls’ weekend.

“We’re just winging it,” Owens said. “We don’t know. We’re able to stay with one of my friend’s parents so we’re just hoping it doesn’t get delayed or canceled.”

Rhonda Clark sings at the airport often and is most concerned about the TSA workers who haven’t been paid for weeks.

“I’m proud of them for still showing up regardless of what is happening,” Clark said. “It takes a mindset to be here, to work and not being paid for it.”

Earlier, Channel 9’s Eli Brand spoke more passengers.

“We hope and pray that everything goes smoothly,” Cheri Richardson said while waiting to board her flight. “We wish the traffic controllers and our state, whole country, to get back to where we need to be.”

More than 60,000 TSA workers are missing paychecks during the shutdown.

Crisis Assistance Ministry is sending caseworkers to meet with TSA agents and air traffic controllers at Charlotte Douglas Friday to see if they need help paying bills.

If you have a flight in the next few days, make sure to get to the terminal two hours before a flight in the country and three hours before a flight out of the U.S. You may want to give yourself even more time than that if you end up needing to adjust.

VIDEO: FAA to cut air traffic by 10% at major airports due to government shutdown

FAA to cut air traffic by 10% at major airports due to government shutdown

©2025 Cox Media Group