**Anxiety Grows for Travelers as Flight Reductions Hit Charlotte Douglas International Airport**
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WTVD) — Anxiety is mounting among travelers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport as nationwide flight reductions spark delays and cancellations.
**FAA-Mandated Reductions Begin**
Friday marked the start of the FAA’s mandated flight reductions, a measure impacting 40 airports across the country, including Charlotte Douglas International. According to the FAA, the reduction is meant to make the skies safer as the government shutdown continues and the agency faces air traffic control staffing shortages.
A 4% reduction in flights began on Friday and will increase gradually, reaching a 10% reduction by next Friday.
**Travelers Feeling the Impact**
Stearline and James Rucker, who were in Charlotte for a wedding, waited for their flight home to Minneapolis on Friday. The couple arrived at the airport as soon as possible after hearing about the coming flight reductions.
> “They cut the flights. We said that’s a terrible thing to do when you got people all in limbo,” said S. Rucker.
The Ruckers are worried about missing important appointments if their flight gets cancelled.
> “I have a doctor’s appointment that I have to be at on Monday,” said J. Rucker. “Otherwise, I would have to call and cancel that.”
**Flight Cancellations and Airline Responses**
American Airlines, the dominant carrier in Charlotte with roughly 90% of the airport’s departures, told ABC11 it cancelled at least 18 out of 588 departures on Friday—about 3% of its schedule.
Nick Souter, another traveler heading to Arizona for a bachelor party, shared his concerns. One of his friends already had a flight cancelled from Denver.
> “Not sure what airline he was on, but he ended up getting a last-second booking,” Souter said.
Many travelers told ABC11 News they are worried about potential additional cancellations as the reductions continue.
> “Until I’m on the plane on Monday, I’m not going to be that confident that everything’s going to be smooth,” Souter added.
**What You Need to Know**
– Flight reductions are **not** impacting international flights.
– Airlines are urging passengers to arrive **at least two hours** before their domestic flights, as ongoing reductions and staffing issues may cause further delays.
For a map of the affected airports, [click here](#).
**SEE ALSO:** [Traveler rights to airline refunds amid government shutdown delays, cancellations](#)
Stay tuned to our site for updates on the evolving situation at Charlotte Douglas International Airport and other affected locations.
https://abc11.com/post/faa-flight-reductions-nc-charlotte-douglas-international-sees-cancellations-new-federal-airport-rule-goes-effect/18127199/
