The U.S Department of Transportation has announced a 10% reduction in flights at 40 major U.S. airports due to air traffic control staffing shortages resulting from the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has begun implementing gradual flight capacity cuts and they are expected to reach 10% by next week (week of Nov. 10, 2025). These reductions are focused on major hub airports, including Salt Lake City.
International flights will generally be exempt but connecting domestic travel could be affected.
Christopherson Business Travel (CBT) has shared the following information. Please note that any airfare booked through the Concur booking tool or through CBT will be supported 24/7 by the agents at CBT. You can connect with CBT here.
Expected Impact
- Increased flight delays and cancellations are likely, especially at large connecting airports.
- Airlines are adjusting schedules with short notice; travelers may see re-bookings or itinerary changes within the next 24 – 48 hours.
- Customer service wait times are currently elevated across most U.S. airlines.
Traveler Guidance
Travelers are advised to:
- Check flight status frequently before departure.
- Allow extra time for check-in and security screening. Some airlines are advising four (4) hours minimum for international flights.
- Enroll in flight alerts directly through their airline for the latest updates.
- Consider flexible travel arrangements, including remote meetings or rescheduling nonessential travel where possible.
- Contact your CBT travel advisor for assistance with urgent rebooking needs.
Airline Policies
Several major carriers – including United Airlines, American Airlines and Southwest – have announced flexible rebooking and refund options for customers who prefer not to travel during this period. Travelers should review the latest airline-specific guidance before making changes.
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