The Federal Aviation Administration cut flights at major airports by 10% as the longest government shutdown continued in November 2025.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy pushed back Sunday against accusations the Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to scale back the availability of flights as the shutdown of the federal government persists was politically driven.

The nation's airports are grappling with FAA-mandated flight cancellations as the government shutdown continues.

With near-daily TV appearances, the transportation secretary has emerged as the face of the Trump administration amid the shutdown.

NASA said that the mission is expected to launch in April 2026, however Duffy’s comments have suggested that it could happen sooner. He has also highlighted the geopolitical dimension and U.S. rivalry with China in establishing a presence on the Moon.

As airports across the U.S. cut traffic due to the government shutdown, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is set to fly to a campaign event for his son-in-law — drawing ire from some in MAGA world,

According to ABC News, Duffy stated that the closure, which is currently tied for the longest shutdown in American history at 35 days, would compel him to close off specific areas of American airspace

Air travelers could face more frustration as busy U.S. airports need to meet a higher Federal Aviation Administration target for reducing flights Tuesday after already canceling thousands to scale back demands on the nation’s aviation system during the government shutdown.