BTS data shows slowdown in 2025 air travel as Duffy set to announce FAA cuts

Published November 6, 2025 4:35pm ET



Federal Aviation Administration cuts due to the government shutdown are likely to exacerbate an already significant decline in air travel for the rest of the year.

In a Wednesday press conference, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy spoke of the difficulties being experienced by U.S. aviation amid the government shutdown, particularly the strain on air traffic controllers. To alleviate pressure, he said the FAA would reduce flights by 10% in 40 locations, one of the most visible and direct effects of the shutdown. The move will likely worsen declining trends in air travel to the United States.

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