Balance of Power Airlines Cut Flights Amid Shutdown
Nov 7, 2025
Join Jeanne Shanzano, a Harvard politics expert, William Taylor, a former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, and Chris Sununu, CEO of Airlines for America, as they tackle the effects of the government shutdown on air travel. Shanzano analyzes political dynamics, while Taylor discusses U.S. credibility in foreign policy. Sununu shares insights on operational challenges within the airline industry, emphasizing the economic fallout of flight cancellations. They also explore how disruptions might pressure lawmakers to resolve the shutdown.
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Mandated Flight Cuts Have Large Economic Cost
- The FAA-mandated flight cuts began at ~4% and will scale to ~10% by next week, with potential to hit 20% if the shutdown persists.
- Chris Sununu says these cuts will cost airlines roughly $100 million a day and cause broader economic losses up to half a billion daily.
Travelers Face Real Frustrations At Newark
- Reporters at Newark noted many TSA workers still report to duty despite missed paychecks and frustration among travelers.
- A passenger's flight to Barbados was canceled and rerouted to JFK, causing her to miss connections and blame the shutdown.
Cancellations Are A Proactive Safety Move
- Airlines prepared operationally for delays and disruptions, but the FAA's mandated cancellations are a different, costly step.
- Sununu says carriers proactively cancel to manage safety and passenger rebooking, urging travelers to use airline apps for updates.