FAA Warns Flight Cuts Could Rise to 10% as Shutdown Continues
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HOUSTON – While there’s been key movement in Washington toward ending the government shutdown, air travel remains one of the most visible pressure points – and the next few days could bring even more disruption for travelers.
On the 40th day of the shutdown, eight Democrats and one Autonomous senator joined Republicans overnight to advance a bill that could reopen the federal government. The measure still needs approval from both the senate and House before heading to the President’s desk.
RELATED: FAA flight reductions: How United, Southwest, Delta, and American are responding
The government shutdown has already taken a toll on critical federal services, and experts warn the effects could linger even if a deal is finalized this week.
Long lines and frustration at Houston airports
At George Bush Intercontinental Airport, TSA lines stretched across terminals early Monday morning, with Terminal A and Terminal E both packed before sunrise.
By late morning,lines eased,a small relief for travelers like Chad Beaver and Nicholas Zamora,who arrived hours early expecting chaos.
“What time does your flight leave?” one asked the other.
“Our customers and employees have experienced firsthand the negative impact of the shutdown and staffing shortages causing flight delays, disruptions, and cancellations,” the company said. “It is critical that the Senate quickly send this legislation to the House and the House pass it as soon as possible, so that government can reopen and reliable air travel can resume as we near the busy holiday travel season.”
what travelers should know
Even with new movement in Washington, the ripple effect at airports is already underway. Houston travelers are advised to:
- Arrive early for all flights, especially during morning and evening rush periods.
- Double-check flight status before leaving for the airport.
- Expect continued delays and cancellations through the week if the shutdown isn’t resolved soon.
Officials say the next few days will be critical as additional flight reductions are expected Tuesday and again by Friday, just as the holiday travel season ramps up.
Looking ahead
As lawmakers continue negotiations, thousands of unpaid federal workers, from TSA officers to air traffic controllers, are keeping the system running under immense strain. Their stories have become the human face of a political stalemate now entering its sixth week.
Until the shutdown ends, Houston travelers sh
Flight Schedules: Monday & Tuesday
MONDAY (11/10)
* UA4228: 3:00 PM — Birmingham, AL (BHM) → Houston, TX (IAH)
* UA6301: 4:30 PM — Houston, TX (IAH) → memphis, TN (MEM)
* UA1964: 4:58 PM — Houston, TX (IAH) → Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW)
* UA4290: 5:00 PM — McAllen, TX (MFE) → Houston, TX (IAH)
* UA2215: 5:10 PM — Orlando, FL (MCO) → Houston, TX (IAH)
* UA4923: 5:10 PM — Mobile, AL (MOB) → Houston, TX (IAH)
* UA4978: 5:10 PM — Lubbock, TX (LBB) → Houston, TX (IAH)
* UA6223: 5:18 PM — Jackson, MS (JAN) → Houston, TX (IAH)
* UA6207: 6:55 PM — Memphis, TN (MEM) → Houston, TX (IAH)
* UA1818: 7:05 PM — Orlando, FL (MCO) → Houston, TX (IAH)
* UA2114: 7:30 PM — Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW) → Houston, TX (IAH)
TUESDAY (11/11)
* UA759: 7:20 AM — Houston, TX (IAH) → Miami, FL (MIA)
* UA6167: 7:20 AM — Houston, TX (IAH) → Oklahoma City, OK (OKC)
* UA6312: 7:30 AM — Houston, TX (IAH) → Cincinnati, OH (CVG)
* UA6148: 9:30 AM — Houston, TX (IAH) → tulsa, OK (TUL)
* UA6248: 9:35 AM — Oklahoma City, OK (OKC) → Houston, TX (IAH)
* UA2166: 9:42 AM — Houston, TX (IAH) → Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW)
* UA4285: 9:50 AM — Houston, TX (IAH) → Laredo, TX (LRD)
* UA4261: 9:50 AM — Houston, TX (IAH) → Gulfport, MS (GPT)
* UA4952: 10:30 AM — Houston, TX (IAH) → Shreveport, LA (SHV)
* UA6367: 11:45 AM — Cincinnati, OH (CVG)
Flight Information – Wednesday, November 12th
Lauderdale, FL (FLL) → Houston, TX (IAH)
WEDNESDAY (11/12)
UA2260: 7:20 AM – Houston, TX (IAH) → Tampa, FL (TPA)
UA6228: 7:25 AM – houston, TX (IAH) → Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW)
UA6204: 7:35 AM – Houston, TX (IAH) → Austin, TX (AUS)
UA6243: 7:40 AM – Houston, TX (IAH) → San Antonio, TX (SAT)
UA6214: 8:35 AM – Houston, TX (IAH) → St. Louis, MO (STL)
UA6249: 9:45 AM – San Antonio, TX (SAT) → Houston, TX (IAH)
UA4025: 9:45 AM – Austin, TX (AUS) → Houston, TX (IAH)
UA4040: 9:58 AM – Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW) → Houston, TX (IAH)
UA4298: 10:01 AM – Houston, TX (IAH) → McAllen, TX (MFE)
UA6110: 10:05 AM – Houston, TX (IAH) → Baton Rouge, LA (BTR)
UA4952: 10:30 AM – Houston, TX (IAH) → Shreveport, LA (SHV)
UA6213: 11:20 AM – St. Louis, MO (STL) → Houston, TX (IAH)
UA2326: 11:45 AM – Tampa, FL (TPA) → Houston, TX (IAH)