More than 1,000 US flights cancelled – What UAE travellers need to know
Thanksgiving rush could test US aviation resilience
DUBAI – The US government shutdown is beginning to strain the country’s aviation network, forcing airlines to cancel more than 1,000 flights.
While the disruptions are mainly domestic, UAE routes to the US are operating normally for now, according to major carriers.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered airlines to cut flight capacity by 4 percent at 40 major US airports – including Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, and Washington – as air traffic controllers and airport security staff continue to work without pay. The capacity cuts could rise to 10 percent next week if the shutdown continues.
More updates will be posted as needed here: https://t.co/YILPuNAamX pic.twitter.com/IE4GoOPoP2
— Dulles Airport (IAD) (@Dulles_Airport) November 6, 2025
The operations of Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways to and from the US remain unaffected. However, Emirates has advised passengers to arrive at least four hours before departure, anticipating possible delays at security checkpoints due to staff shortages at American airports.
Domestic flights hit hard
American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest have all reduced schedules to comply with the FAA order. American is cancelling about 220 flights daily, while Delta and Southwest are cutting around 170 and 100 respectively.
Flight delays have also increased, with average waits of up to four hours at Washington’s Reagan National Airport, 90 minutes at Phoenix, and one hour at Chicago and San Francisco. The situation could worsen if the shutdown extends into the busy Thanksgiving travel period later this month.
What UAE travellers should do
UAE passengers flying to US cities such as New York, Washington, Houston, or Los Angeles are advised to:
- Check flight status regularly on airline websites or via FlightAware.
- Arrive early at airports to allow for longer security screening.
- Monitor connection times carefully, especially for onward US domestic flights.
- Stay updated through official airline alerts and notifications.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has assured passengers that flying remains safe, saying the flight reductions are “precautionary measures” to maintain safety standards amid the ongoing shutdown.
While the shutdown shows no immediate resolution, UAE travellers can take comfort in knowing that international flights are currently operating normally. Staying informed and planning ahead remains the best approach, particularly as the US enters its busiest travel period of the year.