HOUSTON – Flight cancellations by United Airlines are mounting at Houston’s airports as part of a federally mandated reduction in air traffic tied to the ongoing government shutdown.
The directive, issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), requires airlines to cut domestic flights at 40 high-volume U.S. airports between Nov. 9 and Nov. 11, with some flights to and from Houston already impacted.
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The FAA order, designed to relieve stress on the national air-traffic system, is being enforced even at Houston’s hubs. The cancellations coincide with the shutdown of federal operations that has left many controllers unpaid and fatigued.
United Airlines has canceled dozens of flights at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) this weekend.
According to United, six flights were canceled on Nov. 9, followed by 34 on Nov. 10 and 44 on Nov. 11. The cancellations affect flights departing from or arriving in Houston, primarily on domestic and regional routes.
The airline said long-haul international and hub-to-hub flights will not be affected by the reductions.
Passengers are encouraged to check their flight status on the United app or website before traveling.