Flight Cuts Threaten Holiday Travel as Airline Pilots Warn of System Strain

By James Morley III | Saturday, 08 November 2025 12:09 PM EST

Flight reductions triggered by the government shutdown could strain the nation’s air travel system ahead of the busy holiday season, Capt. Dennis Tajer, an American Airlines pilot and spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association, told Newsmax Saturday.

Tajer stated Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford are prioritizing “safety margins” after data showed rising fatigue among air traffic controllers amid staffing shortages. “The FAA took a definitive maneuver to ensure safety,” Tajer said during an appearance on Newsmax’s “America Right Now,” noting that air traffic controllers have been overworked as flight volumes remain high.

“Their sole goal is to keep people safe, and that’s our oath to passengers as well.” The FAA’s plan will reduce flights by up to 10% by the end of next week, with reductions increasing to 6% on Tuesday, 8% on Thursday, and 10% on Friday. “That’s a significant number of aircraft,” Tajer said.

According to Tajer, even minor cuts could create ripple effects, causing delays and cancellations that would “damage the system preparing for the holiday travel season.” Airlines are already relying on reserve pilots, he added, calling the situation “nibbling at the Thanksgiving turkey early.”

Tajer emphasized pilots’ commitment to safety despite the strain. “We’ve got one mission out there, and that’s to keep you safe,” he said. “We plan for Mother Nature. We don’t plan for government nature like this.”

The Allied Pilots Association and major airlines have endorsed a “clean continuing resolution” to reopen the government, calling it the fastest way to stabilize operations and avoid further disruptions. “This shutdown has nothing to do with the airline business,” Tajer said. “Keep this fight off our airplanes and out of my cockpit so we can do what we do best: Keep people safe.”