UPDATE: United Airlines announces significant flight reductions as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continues to grapple with severe staffing shortages due to the ongoing government shutdown. Starting Friday, October 8, 2025, United will implement a 4% cut in its flight schedule, affecting select markets across the nation.
This urgent development comes as delays ripple through airports nationwide, with passengers facing disruptions just ahead of the busy travel weekend. United Airlines’ chief customer officer, David Kinzelman, emphasized that most travelers will remain unaffected by these cancellations, which are aimed at minimizing passenger impact. “We are going to cancel about 4% of our schedule in certain markets over the next several days,” Kinzelman stated in an interview with ABC News.
Delta Air Lines has already canceled around 170 flights scheduled for Friday and anticipates fewer cancellations on Saturday due to lower travel volume. Similarly, American Airlines plans to cut 220 flights daily through the weekend from its total of 6,000 flights. Customers are advised to stay informed through their airline apps for real-time updates and rebooking options.
The FAA has directed airlines to reduce their operations amidst the crisis, leading to widespread cancellations. United Airlines is committed to providing travelers with rolling updates to help minimize disruptions. Kinzelman reassured passengers, stating that the airline is confident in its ability to reaccommodate customers and meet their travel needs.
For those flying from Newark Liberty International Airport to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, or between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, these key routes are expected to remain unaffected, as they are major hubs for United and American Airlines.
Travel experts suggest that morning flights are less likely to be impacted by cancellations, providing more opportunities for affected passengers to secure alternative travel arrangements. Additionally, all three major airlines have waived change fees and are offering refunds for customers who choose not to fly during this tumultuous period.
As the travel industry prepares for a projected 31 million passengers over the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, the FAA’s last-minute directives are causing chaos. “It’s going to be heavily chaotic because the FAA and DOT are giving airlines only 48 hours to start making these changes,” warned Henry Harvedelt, president of Atmosphere Research. He added that schedule adjustments may vary significantly from Friday to Sunday, leading to further confusion for travelers.
In a now-deleted LinkedIn post, Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle advised travelers to consider booking backup tickets on other carriers to avoid being stranded. His advice underscores the urgency of the situation as airlines scramble to adjust their schedules amid the shutdown.
With the holiday season on the horizon, travelers are urged to stay vigilant and adapt to these rapid changes. The situation is evolving, and United Airlines, along with its competitors, is working diligently to keep customers informed and accommodate their travel plans during this challenging period.
