Passengers have been warned about potential flight disruptions as the U.S. Department of Transportation enforces gradual capacity reductions across major airports. There is currently no end in sight for the government shutdown causing these issues.
Starting this morning, travelers departing from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Ontario International Airport (ONT), and San Diego International Airport (SAN) should anticipate delays or cancellations. The Department of Transportation is implementing a phased 10% cutback in flight capacity at numerous high-traffic airports nationwide.
The cutbacks were announced by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to ensure travel safety amid strain on air traffic controllers during the ongoing shutdown. The reductions are being phased in as follows:
Media reports confirm LAX, ONT, and SAN are among the airports affected by these cuts. As of Thursday evening, the cancellations and delays at LAX included:
"Of those canceled, 30 were on SkyWest, six on Southwest, two each on Delta, Swiss, JetBlue and United, and one on Spirit."
These disruptions reflect mounting pressure on the aviation system amid government operational challenges.
The government shutdown triggers phased flight capacity cuts, causing growing cancellations and delays at major Southern California airports, raising concerns over travel safety and system strain.