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FAA's 10% flight cuts 'is the right thing to do', says Capt. Dennis Tajer

Name: FAA's 10% flight cuts 'is the right thing to do', says Capt. Dennis Tajer
Uploaded: 2025-11-06T12:32:24Z
Description: Dennis Tajer, American Airlines pilot and Allied Pilots Association spokesman, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss the impact of the ongoing government shutdown on air travel, news of the FAA cutting flights by 10% at 40 major airports starting Friday, impact of flight reductions on travel, whether flying

11/6/2025, 12:32:24 PM

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Economic Summary

A government shutdown prompted a 10% reduction in flights at 40 major airports affecting nearly 4,000 flights, producing immediate cancellations and passenger disruption and pressuring airline revenues (e.g., AAL).
Staffing shortages and unpaid air traffic controllers are producing rolling delays and reported fatigue; the FAA and unions argue this decreases the system safety margin and forces preemptive capacity cuts.
Airlines are deploying reserve pilots originally held for Thanksgiving, eroding peak-season buffers and increasing the likelihood of additional cancellations and operational strain if the shutdown continues.
Pilots' unions, representing thousands of professionals, are publicly endorsing a clean continuing resolution to restore normal operations quickly and limit further economic damage to the travel sector.

Bullish

Proactive traffic reductions may prevent accidents and larger disruptions.
Union pressure for a clean continuing resolution could speed a staffing fix.
Safety-first measures protect long-term operational integrity.

Bearish

Shutdown-driven 10% flight cuts cause cancellations and rolling delays, hurting airline revenue and schedules.
Reserve pilots are being used ahead of Thanksgiving, reducing capacity for peak travel and increasing cancellations.
Air traffic controller fatigue and unpaid staffing shortages raise safety risks and operational disruption.

Bullish tickers

AAL

Bearish tickers

AAL

Bullish

Safety-driven traffic reductions and strong union push for a clean continuing resolution could reduce accident risk and hasten a return to full schedules, limiting long-term damage.

Bearish

10% flight cuts, rolling delays, and depletion of reserve pilots ahead of Thanksgiving will pressure American Airlines' operations and revenue; staffing and unpaid controller fatigue increase cancellation risk.

People mentioned

Sean DuffyDennis TagerBedfordVance