More than 40 flights were canceled on Friday at Dallas Love Field and DFW International Airport, due to federally imposed airspace reductions. Flight cuts are expected to climb next week.
Here’s what North Texas travelers should know:
Why is this happening?
The move comes amid an ongoing government shutdown that has stretched for over a month and has caused strain on airport staffing, as air traffic controllers work without pay. The Federal Aviation Administration cited the potential effect of staffing issues on aviation safety in its order.
Friday’s flight cancellations amounted to a 4% reduction in operations, per the federal directive.
The reduction in operations will gradually increase to 6% by Tuesday, 8% by Thursday, and 10% by Friday.
Aviation News
Dewayne Handy, 55, waits with his luggage by his wife as they check in ahead of his flight to Puerto Vallarta, on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at DFW Airport.
Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer
Will I be able to fly?
At both D-FW area airports, there will be a significant dip in the number of available flights.
At DFW Airport, a 10% cut in flights could result in 96 fewer departing flights — a slash of over 13,000 seats, The Dallas Morning News reported.
At Love Field, the 10% cut could mean 20 fewer flights per day — approximately 3,000 seats.
How long could this last?
The FAA has said once funding is restored — which could come when the government reopens — and the strain on airport resources has reduced, it will roll back restrictions to normal operations. It’s unclear when the government impasse will end.
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