Harrisburg International Airport could potentially experience flight reductions, but it is not currently listed among the 40 major U.S. airports facing immediate cuts.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a 10% reduction in scheduled flights at 40 major U.S. airports starting November 7, 2025. This decision is a response to ongoing staffing shortages and the prolonged federal government shutdown, which has left thousands of air traffic controllers working without pay.
Here’s what’s important to know:
- The reductions target high-volume airports, primarily those with the greatest strain on air traffic control resources.
- Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) is not currently on the FAA’s published list of affected airports.
- However, secondary impacts are possible. If major hub airports reduce capacity, connecting flights and regional routes—including those to or from Harrisburg—could be indirectly affected.
- The FAA emphasized that these cuts are temporary and aimed at maintaining safety and preventing controller fatigue during the shutdown.
If you're planning to travel through Harrisburg or book flights soon, it’s wise to monitor updates from the airport and airlines, especially if your itinerary includes connections through major hubs like Philadelphia, Newark, or Washington D.C.
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) is not currently among the 40 major U.S. airports facing FAA-mandated flight reductions.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a 10% reduction in scheduled flights at 40 high-volume airports starting November 7, 2025, due to staffing shortages and the What This Means for ABE Travelers
- No direct flight cuts have been announced for ABE.
- Indirect impacts are possible, especially if your itinerary includes connections through major hubs like Philadelphia or Newark, which are affected by the FAA’s reduction plan.
FAA’s Focus
- The FAA’s reduction targets high-volume markets to relieve pressure on air traffic controllers working without pay during the shutdown.
- The goal is to maintain safety and reduce delays, not to penalize smaller or regional airports.
If you're flying through Lehigh Valley soon, it’s a good idea to check with your airline for any schedule changes, especially if your trip involves connecting flights through impacted hubs.
Yes, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is one of the 40 major U.S. airports facing a 10% reduction in flight capacity starting November 7, 2025.
This decision by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is part of a nationwide effort to ease pressure on air traffic controllers who have been working without pay due to the prolonged government shutdown.
Key Details for Philadelphia Travelers
- PHL is officially on the FAA’s list of airports subject to flight reductions.
- The cuts begin Friday, November 7, 2025, and are expected to affect thousands of flights daily across the country.
- Two TSA checkpoints at PHL—Terminal A-West and Terminal F—were temporarily closed on November 5, possibly due to staffing shortages.
- Airlines operating out of PHL are adjusting schedules, and travelers may experience fewer flight options or cancellations
What You Can Do
- Check your flight status regularly with your airline.
- Arrive early at the airport, especially if flying from affected terminals.
- Consider alternative airports like Lehigh Valley (ABE) or Harrisburg (MDT) if your route is impacted.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is one of the 40 major U.S. airports facing a 10% reduction in flight capacity starting November 7, 2025.
This is part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) nationwide response to the ongoing government shutdown, which has left thousands of air traffic controllers and TSA agents working without pay.
Key Details for BWI Travelers
- BWI is officially listed among the affected airports where flight capacity will be reduced.
- The cuts begin Friday, November 7, 2025, and will be phased in—starting at 4% and increasing to 10% over several days.
- Flights between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. are most likely to be impacted, while international flights are generally exempt
Why BWI Is Affected
- BWI is a high-volume regional hub serving both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., making it a critical node in the FAA’s air traffic network.
- The FAA is prioritizing controller safety and fatigue management, especially at airports with heavy domestic traffic.
What You Can Do
- Check your flight status frequently, especially if flying during peak hours.
- Arrive early, as TSA staffing shortages may cause longer security lines.
- Consider alternative airports like Dulles (IAD) or Reagan National (DCA) if your route is affected.