Travelers braced for flight cancellations and reductions as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said more cuts − potentially rising to 15% or even 20% of all scheduled flights − could be on the way if the record-breaking government shutdown continues.

Scores of cancellations spread across the country as airlines implemented Duffy's order to reduce traffic. Southwest Airlines announced it would cancel 100 flights on Friday.

Just weeks ahead of the busy holiday travel season, flight operations were reduced by 4% at 40 major U.S. airports starting Friday, with the cuts gradually increasing to 10% over a week, Duffy announced.

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Duffy said the cuts were a proactive safety measure as the shutdown puts "strain on the system from both pilots and air traffic controllers," and controllers go without pay.

A passenger stands by a screen showing delayed flights due to the government shutdown, at San Francisco International Airport in San Francisco, California, U.S., November 6, 2025.

Given the increasing pressures on controllers, Duffy on Friday said as many as 15% or even 20% of flights could be cut in the coming days.

Reagan National Airport outside Washington, DC, warned passengers to cancellations and delays in a social media post.

"We are expecting significant delays and cancellations through this evening due to air traffic reductions," the airport posted on X. "Customers with flight reservations are urged to monitor their flight status closely with their airline."

Reagan National sees an average of 70,000 passengers a day.