United Airlines Cancels Hundreds of Flights Amid FAA Reductions and Government Shutdown

United Airlines has canceled and reduced hundreds of flights across the United States this weekend, with Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports among the hardest hit. The move follows an emergency directive from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to reduce air traffic amid the ongoing U.S. government shutdown.

As of Friday, over 100 flights in and out of Chicago were canceled, with more disruptions expected through Sunday. Federal staffing shortages have left many air traffic controllers and TSA agents unpaid, forcing airlines to adjust schedules to maintain safety. United Airlines confirmed that international long-haul and hub-to-hub flights will continue operating, while domestic regional and mainline routes face significant reductions.

CEO Scott Kirby stated that the airline is issuing rolling updates to passengers via its app, email, and text messages. Refunds are available for all affected travelers, including those with non-refundable or Basic Economy tickets. Between Friday and Sunday, United expects cancellations to total more than 100 flights per day, with 34 flights canceled at O’Hare on Friday, 38 on Saturday, and 42 on Sunday.

The FAA is implementing flight cuts at 40 major airports nationwide, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas/Fort Worth, New York’s JFK and LaGuardia, Miami, and Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the aviation system is at “a breaking point” if the shutdown continues, as unpaid federal staff struggle to manage heavy workloads.

Passengers are urged to check flight status frequently, as even non-canceled flights may face delays due to reduced air traffic capacity. United Airlines emphasized that safety remains the top priority while trying to minimize disruption for travelers during this period of unprecedented federal shutdown-related challenges.