FAA-ordered flight cancellations begin. How it’s playing out at RDU airport
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Airlines have begun cutting flights at RDU airport after FAA order
- FAA will phase cuts from 4% to 10% through Nov. 14, risking wider flight disruptions
- Airlines must refund canceled tickets; passengers face rebooking and uncovered extra costs
Airlines began canceling flights Friday in response to the Federal Aviation Administration’s order to reduce the workload for air traffic controllers during the government shutdown, but so far the impact is minimal at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
Airlines canceled only a handful of flights at RDU on Friday to and from cities where they offer multiple flights a day. Southwest Airlines, for example, canceled two departures to its hub in Baltimore, but has five more scheduled. Delta Air Lines canceled an afternoon flight to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, but has eight more flights scheduled to the city, including three others to JFK.
The disruptions could grow, however, as the FAA’s phased cuts ramp up next week. The FAA ordered a 4% reduction in flights on Friday, increasing to 6% by Tuesday, 8% by Thursday and 10% by next Friday, Nov. 14.
The cuts are concentrated on 40 airports, including most major hubs such as Charlotte Douglas International. RDU is not among them, but many of the places to which Triangle residents fly are affected.
The flight reductions are meant to reduce pressure on air traffic controllers, who have remained on the job since the government shutdown began Oct. 1. They received a partial paycheck early in the month, but missed a full check last week. Staffing shortages that predate the shutdown mean many are working overtime.
Federal Aviation Administrator Bryan Bedford says there are “signs of stress in the system.” Bedford and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy provided details about the flight reductions late Thursday, saying their goal is safety.
“This isn’t about politics — it’s about assessing the data and alleviating building risk in the system as controllers continue to work without pay,” Duffy said in a statement. “It’s safe to fly today, and it will continue to be safe to fly next week because of the proactive actions we are taking.”
The federal government will require airlines to issue full refunds for canceled flights, though not cover secondary costs such as hotel stays. Airlines are reaching out to affected passengers to try to rebook them on other flights.
This story was originally published November 7, 2025 at 10:49 AM.
