FAA Mandated Flight Schedule Reductions Due to Government Shutdown

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has directed every airline to reduce their flight schedule during the government shutdown, across 40 domestic airports.  The FAA's goal is to relieve pressure on the aviation system so that they can all continue to operate safely.  These reductions started today, Friday, November 7, 2025 and airlines will continue to make rolling updates to their schedules as the government shutdown continues. The airlines plan to give as much advance notice as they can to minimize disruptions.

In response, most major airlines have offered waivers to mitigate costs associated with travel changes, re-bookings, and cancellations, including those booked in restrictive or non-refundable fare classes. Airlines have advised they will contact travelers directly via email, text, or app if your flight is adjusted or cancelled.  If you need to cancel an upcoming flight due to flight cancellation uncertainty, please contact our CTP travel agents during regular office hours to see if your flight qualifies for an airline waiver.

Our CTP travel agency is tracking airline and FAA updates, and are ready to assist with cancellations, re-bookings, or route adjustments as requested. Our dedicated CTP agents can be reached Monday - Friday 8:00am-5:00pm CT at 877-630-1232 - option 1 or by email at ku@ctptravelservices.com. Otherwise CTP After-Hours Emergency agents can be reached at 877-200-1501.

CTP recommends the following traveler actions to help mitigate traveler inconvenience and longer hold times with emergency services and airlines if travelers experience flight delays or cancellations: 

• Book, change, and cancel travel reservations through our Concur online booking tool whenever possible
• Avoid booking the last flight of the day
• Download airline apps, and sign up for airline messages. Use the airline app and/or relevant websites to check flight status before heading to the airport
• At this time and due to the reduction in flights, travelers should only call when travel is within 72 hours of departure as things are happening quickly
• For travel outside of 72 hours, if possible please hold off calling. Our goal is to service travelers who are experiencing current flight disruptions and not inhibit travelers in need from being able to reach a live agent
• When the option is available choose the "callback" option to reduce hold times and receive a return call when an agent becomes available

If you find yourself in a situation where an airline flight delay or cancellation will cause added travel costs, please be sure to document communications about the cancelled/rebooked flight as well as new itinerary.  Screenshots of your airline app or text notification or email notification of the cancellation will suffice.