Flight Attendants Call for End to Shutdown Amid FAA Capacity Cuts

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 5, 2025) — Following the announcement by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to reduce capacity by 10% in 40 markets beginning Friday, Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, has voiced significant concerns regarding the safety and welfare of aviation employees and passengers.

Nelson emphasized, “Safety is not a political game. Recent events in aviation should sober us all and redirect an urgent call to work together to keep Americans safe.” She highlighted the impact of the government shutdown on essential aviation workers like air traffic controllers and TSA officers, who are required to work without pay, while others are sent home without compensation.

According to Nelson, cutting capacity is a standard measure to ensure safety when risks increase. She criticized the shutdown, arguing that it forces a false choice between federal workers’ pay and affordable healthcare, both of which she claims are fabricated crises by those with the power to resolve them. "End this shutdown NOW," Nelson asserted.

Nelson further stated, “Let’s be clear - this shutdown is the latest cruel attack on federal workers in a never-ending effort to demoralize dedicated civil servants and veterans in order to privatize all functions of government - in service to the greed of a few at the expense of the many.”

She underscored the pivotal role of Flight Attendants in maintaining aviation safety and expressed reliance on federal workers performing their duties without distraction. “Flight Attendants are on the front lines of aviation safety. We count on federal workers being able to do their jobs without distraction. End this shutdown NOW,” Nelson said.

Nelson warned of the potential consequences of the shutdown, noting that it could disrupt the delivery of medicine, food, and essential services, severely impacting the economy and the country. “We know what happens when the planes stop and the impact of the shutdown is felt by all... The economy stops. The country stops. It is starting to happen and it is not okay!” she remarked.

In her closing statement, Nelson urged Congress to “End this shutdown now and stop the cruel attacks on all Americans.”

###

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA represents over 55,000 Flight Attendants across 20 airlines. The union, part of the 500,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO, has been instrumental in enhancing the Flight Attendant profession for over 80 years, advocating for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Visit the AFA at www.afacwa.org.