FAA to Reduce Flights by 10% at 40 Major U.S. Airports as Delta, Southwest and United Warn of Widespread Disruptions; RDU Prepares for Impact

FAA to Cut 10% of Flights at 40 Major U.S. Airports as Delta, Southwest and United Warn of Disruptions; RDU Braces for Impact

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is preparing to reduce air traffic capacity by 10% at 40 major U.S. airports, triggering concerns across the aviation, tourism, and hospitality sectors. The cuts — driven by staffing shortages caused by the ongoing government shutdown — are expected to lead to delays, cancellations, and reduced flight availability across the country.

While Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is not yet confirmed on the FAA’s official list, industry experts warn that the airport will likely experience significant ripple effects as airlines adjust operations nationwide. Major carriers including Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines have already issued warnings of disruption over the coming weeks.

Why the FAA Is Cutting 10% of Flights

The FAA’s decision comes as the agency faces a major staffing shortage due to the prolonged federal government shutdown. Air traffic controllers — many working without pay — are stretched thin, forcing the agency to reduce capacity to maintain operational safety.

The 10% reduction affects 40 of the busiest airports in the United States, including key hubs used by Delta, United and Southwest. While RDU is not officially listed, the interconnected nature of national air traffic means secondary hubs like Raleigh-Durham will inevitably feel the impact.

The FAA has stated that safety remains its top priority, but acknowledged travelers should expect:

• Longer wait times

• More delays and cancellations

• Reduced direct-flight options

• Schedule changes announced with short notice

How RDU Will Be Affected

Raleigh-Durham International Airport serves as a major Southeastern U.S. gateway for both domestic and international travelers. Even if RDU escapes direct capacity cuts, disruptions at key partner airports — Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Dallas, and others — will create system-wide scheduling challenges.

Aviation analysts expect RDU to experience:

• Fewer direct flights to Europe, Mexico and Canada

• Reduced flight frequencies from Delta, United, and Southwest

• More missed connections

• More last-minute schedule adjustments

Travelers passing through RDU should expect wider delays as airline networks adjust to the new capacity limits.

Delta, Southwest and United Begin Schedule Adjustments

Delta Air Lines

Delta, which operates a large share of flights through RDU, has warned of major operational strain. The airline is prioritizing its primary hubs — Atlanta, New York-JFK, and Minneapolis — which may reduce international and domestic service from RDU.

Flights to major markets such as London, Paris, and Toronto may face adjustments.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest is expected to scale back operations at congested airports to free up runway availability. This may result in:

• Fewer flights to Chicago, Denver, Dallas

• Reduced seasonal and leisure routes

• Fewer international options through Southwest connections

United Airlines

United’s East Coast operations are expected to see disruption as it adjusts networks at Newark, Washington D.C., and Chicago. RDU travelers may see:

• Reduced domestic service

• Fewer flights to Canada, Germany, and other international destinations

• Increased cancellations on high-traffic routes

Impact on Hospitality and Tourism

The air traffic cuts will impact more than travelers — they will affect hotels, restaurants, and tourism across the Raleigh-Durham region.

Expected impacts include:

• Fewer international visitors

• Lower business travel volume

• Declines in hotel occupancy

• Reduced restaurant and entertainment revenue

• A forecasted 5–10% drop in tourism-related income

European travelers, who rely heavily on Delta and United for U.S. access, may postpone travel or choose alternative destinations.

Impact on International Travel

Reduced flight availability will affect not only RDU, but flights across major U.S. gateways:

• Canada: Fewer cross-border business flights

• Mexico: Reduced connectivity from Monterrey and Mexico City

• Europe: Major decline in direct flights during restructuring

Tourists from the UK, France, and Germany may face difficulty securing itineraries due to limited available seats.

Travel Tips for Passengers Flying Through RDU

1. Monitor Your Flight Constantly

Frequent schedule changes are expected. Check your airline app regularly.

2. Arrive Earlier Than Usual

Longer lines at TSA and gate areas are likely.

3. Use Alternative Airports

Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) may offer more stable service during peak disruption periods.

4. Choose Flexible Tickets

Opt for airlines that allow free cancellations or changes.

5. Purchase Travel Insurance

Helps cover the cost of cancellations, delays, or rebooking.

What This Means for RDU in the Coming Months

As the FAA phases in its nationwide 10% capacity reduction, RDU should expect:

• More unpredictable flight availability

• Increased operational strain during peak hours

• Disruptions concentrated around international services

• A more volatile travel environment for the foreseeable future

The aviation industry, still recovering from earlier crises, now faces a new wave of complications tied to government funding and staffing.

Conclusion

The FAA’s decision to cut air traffic by 10% at 40 major airports marks one of the most significant operational adjustments in recent years. While RDU is not officially included in the list, the airport — and its passengers — will feel the indirect effects of a strained national aviation system.

Major carriers like Delta, Southwest and United have already begun restructuring schedules, predicting heightened delays and cancellations. Travelers moving through RDU should remain flexible, stay informed, and prepare for a travel season marked by uncertainty.