Atlanta's airport was one of 40 airports the FAA required to reduce flights throughout the country because of the shutdown.

Airlines nationwide are working to reassure travelers as the FAA orders a 10% cut to flights nationwide due to staffing shortages.

ATLANTA — Atlanta-based Delta Airlines says it will begin reducing flights on Friday following a directive from the Federal Aviation Administration due to the ongoing government shutdown. Beginning on Nov. 8, 170 flights will be canceled at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport.

Delta Air Lines will comply with an FAA order to cut flights at 40 major U.S. airports starting Friday, likely including Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, while offering flexible options for travelers affected by the reductions.

Delta said it is "complying with a directive" from the FAA to reduce flights at 40 major U.S. airports, but "expects to operate the vast majority of our flights."

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said Wednesday if the partial government shutdown ends Wednesday, the company’s flights will be “back to normal by the weekend.”

A Delta Air Lines pilot shared a heartfelt message with his passengers, assuring them that everything will be OK.

TRAVERSE CITY, MI – Delta Air Lines will launch its seasonal route between Traverse City and Atlanta about a month early in 2026, officials announced. Nonstop service between TVC Cherry Capital Airport and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport will begin on Saturday, May 23.

Cherry Capital Airport will offer Delta's nonstop service to Atlanta earlier next summer, expanding travel options.

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian also told CNBC that Thanksgiving’s busy travel season should also be fine. “Bookings look good.”