Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport sees flight reductions amid government shutdown

Travelers check flights in Terminal 4 on Nov. 20, 2023, at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix. (Mark Henle/The Republic via Reuters Connect)

By USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

November 6, 2025

As the record-breaking government shutdown continues to disrupt American life, airports, airlines and travelers are waiting to see how flight capacity reductions will affect air travel.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the Federal Aviation Administration would reduce flight capacity at 40 major airports by 10% on Friday, Nov. 7 to maintain the safety of American airspace.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport was named as one of the airports that would be affected, according to reports from ABC News and CBS News.

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The cuts to flight capacity are coming because of a shortage of air traffic controllers, who are considered essential workers during the shutdown, but must work without pay as long as the government is not funded.

Here’s what travelers should know if they plan to fly soon.

Why are flights being cut?

Since the federal government shut down on Oct. 1, federal workers such as air traffic controllers and transportation security officers have been working without pay.

Some airports, including Phoenix, experienced staffing shortages because of controllers not reporting to work.

Staffing shortages at Sky Harbor’s air traffic control tower triggered lengthy ground delays at the Phoenix airport on Nov. 4 and Nov. 5.

What if my flight is delayed or canceled?

Most major airlines say they’re monitoring the FAA’s planned capacity reductions and how they would impact their schedules. They’re preparing to offer passengers flexibility if their plans are disrupted by the capacity reductions.

American Airlines, which operates most of Sky Harbor’s flights, will allow passengers to change their flights or request a refund without penalty if their flights are canceled for any reason or they choose not to travel, according to a statement from the airline.

The airline, however, did state that it expects “the vast majority of our customers’ travel will be unaffected.”

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Southwest Airlines stated it’s evaluating the FAA reductions and will contact customers “as soon as possible” to provide options if their travels are disrupted. In most cases, the airline will automatically rebook travelers on another flight. But if a flight is canceled and the customer chooses not to travel, they can request a refund.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said in a statement that customers with plans to travel when flights are reduced are eligible for refunds if they choose not to travel, “even if their flight isn’t impacted.” Refunds would be available to customers with non-refundable tickets and basic economy tickets.

Delta Air Lines will offer passengers flying to or from airports affected by the FAA directive the option to change, cancel or refund their flights without penalty, including Delta Main Basic fares.

Will international flights be affected by FAA reductions?

Major airlines stated that long-haul international travel will not be affected by the FAA directive. That includes American and British Airways’ Phoenix-London flights and Air France’s Phoenix-Paris flight.

What airports are cutting flights?

The airports said to be facing flight cuts are listed below, but could change when an official list is released by the FAA, according to reports from ABC News and CBS News.