Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Delta Air Lines and United Airlines Begin Flight Cancellations Amid FAA‑Mandated 6% Cut at 40 U.S. Airports Including Orlando International Airport After Government Shutdown
Published on
November 14, 2025
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have begun flight cancellations amid the FAA-mandated 6% cut at 40 U.S. airports, including Orlando International Airport, after the record-long U.S. government shutdown ended. The disruption, caused by air traffic controller shortages during the shutdown, continues to affect travelers, particularly those flying to and from Orlando. With tourism being a major economic driver for the city, Orlando’s hospitality industry and airlines have been forced to adapt to the ongoing delays and cancellations, resulting in a ripple effect across both sectors. As airlines and airports work through the recovery process, it’s essential for travelers to stay informed and prepared for potential disruptions in their travel plans.
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines Start Canceling Flights Because of the FAA-Ordered 6% Cut at 40 U.S. Airports, Including Orlando International Airport, Following the Government Shutdown
With the record-long U.S. government shutdown now ended, its effects are still being felt, particularly in the travel industry. Orlando International Airport (MCO) has been one of the hardest hit. As a result, the FAA has mandated a 6% cut in flights at 40 high volume airports, including Orlando. Most of the disruptions has been noticed by Delta Air Lines and United Airlines and as a result, they have been canceling flights. For tourists hoping to travel to Orlando, as well as for the ones already at MCO, some patience and extra preparation will be necessary to get through the busy travel period. There is limited information available and additional disruptions should be expected as the travel and hotel industry adjusts to the changes.
Flight Cancellations: What Travelers Should Know
Travelers at Orlando International Airport have had their travel plans drastically changed due to the FAA’s mandate to cut flight capacity, due to an air traffic controller shortage. The United States’ biggest carriers, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, have had to cancel hundreds of flights. The FAA’s decision, which impacts places like Orlando, where there is a heavy reliance on tourism, is an attempt to alleviate the strain of the government shutdown. While the FAA’s reduction focused on 10% of flights across high-volume airports, it has recently been eased to a total of 6% flights.
Tourists traveling to Orlando on Delta and United airlines need to check their flight statuses to avoid unnecessary delays at the airport. Airlines are trying to rebook flights, but due to the unprecedented disruptions and slow airline industry recovery, this process may take quite a while.
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines Lead the Industry in Cancellations
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have experienced significant impacts due to the FAA’s mandate. They account for many of the cancellations. Delta is the largest airline in the United States and is the largest airline to have its flights to popular destinations such as Orlando get cancelled. United Airlines is another major airline and has also cancelled portions of its routes as part of the flight reduction mandate.
In Orlando International Airport there have been numerous delays due to these cancellations. Passengers travelling to the US from Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom, historically the largest international source markets for the US, have been most affected by the disturbances. As an example, there have been delays on flights from Toronto and London. Both of these high volume cities in regard to Orlando passenger flows. It is reasonable for travellers to expect disruptions in schedules and delays in order for the airline to manage the increase in volume.
Tourists increase the need for careful and considerate planning in relation in to still flying and the disruptions to Delta and United schedules for flyers in the US. United and Delta have been as considerate as possible in trying to help their flyers and have been trying to provide as many flexible travel options. There is a lot of cancellations on their the planes and their routes.
What Does This Mean for Orlando’s Hospitality Industry?
Orlando, Florida, is one of the most visited cities in the United States, known for its world-class theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. Recently, however, air travel disruptions have placed Orlando’s hospitality industry in a difficult position. With United and Delta air line cancellations, international visitors arriving at MCO are down, and this has a direct effect on local hotels, resorts, and businesses that rely on tourist dollars.
Hotels in Orlando have not known how to respond to this situation. Occupancy rates have not risen to expected levels, and international travel delays, especially from prospective guests from Europe and Latin America, have a knock-on effect on hotel rooms. While the hospitality sector in Orlando is challenging and robust, the hotels, resorts, and vacation rental properties still have rooms that are not booked.
When there are fewer people visiting main attractions, restaurants, and entertainment spots, it creates a trickle-down effect and business loss. Because these local businesses depend on the tourists, their services are less than optimal and that also creates further loss for these businesses and added job insecurity.
Continued Flight Disruptions: Effect on Tourists from Major Markets
Tourists from major, international markets such as Canada, Mexico, and the UK are affected by the ongoing flight disruptions. Canada is a major source of international tourists to the US, especially to Florida. Torontont and Vancouver have direct flights to Orlando. However, a reduction of flights during the next couple of weeks will make Canadians’ choices to visit more limited, and on top of that, flights will likely be delayed or cancelled.
Mexican tourists are another significant portion of Orlando’s visitors and are also facing these flight reductions. Many of these tourists use connecting flights to get to Orlando and because of flight capacity reductions, They will face more complex travel itineraries and longer layovers.
The U.K. is another significant tourism source for Orlando. Travel disruptions have increasingly impacted some U.K. tourists. London is one of the most frequent international departure points for Orlando-bound tourism. Direct flights from London to Orlando have been heavily cancelled, leaving British Airways, Delta, and United passengers either rerouted through different airports to Orlando or completely out of options. Unfortunately, the warfare in Ukraine has been a primary reason for cancelled flights.
Traveling tourists from the regions of Canada, Mexico, and the U.K. need to have flexible tickets that include discounts for when changes or rebookings need to be made. Tourists should have frequent contact with their airlines due to flight status changes, cancellations, or rebooking options made for the passengers.
Travel Tips for Tourists Amid Disruptions
Due to the significant delays and flight cuts, there are important travel tips that beginners and tourists should follow to help their travel to Orlando be as enjoyable as possible.
Check Your Flight Status Regularly
One of the most effective ways to avoid complications on your trip to Orlando is to check your flight status regularly. Delta, United, and other airlines are sending out notifications regarding cancellations, but you’ll want to avoid the hassle of last minute surprises, so check your flight status on the airline’s website or mobile app yourself.
Book Flexible Tickets
If you are booking flights to Orlando during these unpredictable times, keep an eye out for more flexible ticket options. Many airlines are more flexible on changes to your flight if cancellations or schedule changes occur.
Arrive at the Airport Early
Due to flight delays, Orlando International Airport has been getting more and more people. Due to this, make sure to arrive early, because you’ll want to avoid check-in delays and longer security lines.
Stay in Contact with Your Airline
If cancellations occur, make sure to stay close to your airline. Rebooking options are available, but some people are experiencing long delays to speak with someone at the call center or service counter. Use the airline mobile apps or online customer service to speed things up.
Look for Other Options
If you are coming from abroad and your trip to Orlando is delayed or canceled, look for other options and connecting flights at other airports. For some, connecting through the major airports in Miami, Atlanta, or NYC is quicker and more dependable.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is something that people are starting to see the value in more and more. Insurance can help cover lost or canceled flights, lost bags, and accommodations if you need to stay somewhere because your flight is delayed or changed. Just be sure to pick one that suits you and keep an eye on the fine print.
What Comes Next: Recovery for Airlines and Hospitality in Orlando
We can say that the government shutdown is over, but we can’t say that’s the end of the effects on the Orlando travel industry. The coming months will be important, as the airlines, airports, and hospitality sector address reduced flights and backlogs. Two of the largest airlines, Delta and United, have started with recovery steps, and are now offering rebooked flights and travel vouchers, as well as flexible policies for changed and canceled flights.
With the start of the holiday season, tourism for the major Orlando attractions, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, is expected to pick up and start self sustaining. Although the travel forecasts suggest an increase to the tourism levels before the pandemic, Orlando still is and will most likely be a popular location for international tourists and solo travelers. Orlando will be a viable and appealing destination for family vacations for a long time to come. The most popular family holiday destination in the U.S.
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have begun flight cancellations amid a 6% FAA-mandated cut at 40 U.S. airports, including Orlando International Airport, following the end of the record-long U.S. government shutdown. These disruptions are significantly impacting both the airline and hospitality industries in Orlando.
Stay Flexible and Prepare Outs for your Layovers or Cancellations.
Orlando is just returning to fully operational holiday season. Currently, Orlando is returning to fully operational followed by a holiday season. While travelers already on their way to Orlando, or in Orlando for the holiday, they should be on standby for wait and cancellations, and already canceled their flight. While Delta and United re-booking passengers, travel in Orlando will be the most interrupted. This is a result of the delays, ticket cancellations, and dramatic understaffing.
For travelers going to Orlando, remember how important it is to be flexible when buying plane tickets. Although the effects of the government_shutdown and FAA’s flight cuts will persist, tourists will be able to enjoy Orlando’s attractions with some patience and to get the most of the city, bear in mind the exciting theme parks and the luxury hotels. To have the most of the trip, pay attention to your airline and check your flight status several times. It will be an exciting trip that will be worth the extra work!
