ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Travelers making holiday plans may face added uncertainty this season after the Federal Aviation Administration announced flight reductions at 40 airports across the country. The move comes amid the ongoing government shutdown and concerns over staffing shortages affecting air traffic controllers.
The Albuquerque International Sunport has connections to 22 of the affected airports, including major hubs like Denver, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Los Angeles. Despite the national impact, Sunport officials say operations remain stable locally, with no significant delays beyond typical seasonal patterns. TSA and FAA staffing levels at the Sunport are currently holding steady.
AAA New Mexico is advising travelers to stay informed and flexible. “If your flight is canceled, you’re entitled to a refund,” said Daniel Armbruster with AAA. “You also have a 24-hour window to change or cancel a reservation after booking.”
Armbruster recommends having a backup plan and considering alternate travel options. “If your destination is within driving distance, it might be worth skipping the airport altogether.”
The following airports are among the 40 nationwide facing flight reductions and currently have direct connections to the Albuquerque International Sunport:
- Anchorage International (AK)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (GA)
- Boston Logan International (MA)
- Baltimore/Washington International (MD)
- Charlotte Douglas International (NC)
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (OH)
- Dallas Love Field (TX)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National (VA)
- Denver International (CO)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International (TX)
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (MI)
- Newark Liberty International (NJ)
- Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International (FL)
- Honolulu International (HI)
- Houston Hobby (TX)
- Washington Dulles International (VA)
- George Bush Houston Intercontinental (TX)
- Indianapolis International (IN)
- John F. Kennedy International (NY)
- Harry Reid International (Las Vegas, NV)
- Los Angeles International (CA)
- LaGuardia Airport (NY)
FAA Flight Reductions – Affected Airports
- Anchorage International (ANC) – Alaska
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) – Georgia
- Boston Logan International (BOS) – Massachusetts
- Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) – Maryland
- Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) – North Carolina
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG) – Ohio
- Dallas Love Field (DAL) – Texas
- Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) – Virginia
- Denver International (DEN) – Colorado
- Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) – Texas
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) – Michigan
- Newark Liberty International (EWR) – New Jersey
- Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International (FLL) – Florida
- Honolulu International (HNL) – Hawaii
- Houston Hobby (HOU) – Texas
- Washington Dulles International (IAD) – Virginia
- George Bush Houston Intercontinental (IAH) – Texas
- Indianapolis International (IND) – Indiana
- John F. Kennedy International (JFK) – New York
- Harry Reid International (LAS) – Nevada
- Los Angeles International (LAX) – California
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – New York
- Orlando International (MCO) – Florida
- Chicago Midway International (MDW) – Illinois
- Memphis International (MEM) – Tennessee
- Miami International (MIA) – Florida
- Minneapolis/St. Paul International (MSP) – Minnesota
- Oakland International (OAK) – California
- Ontario International (ONT) – California
- Chicago O’Hare International (ORD) – Illinois
- Portland International (PDX) – Oregon
- Philadelphia International (PHL) – Pennsylvania
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) – Arizona
- San Diego International (SAN) – California
- Louisville International (SDF) – Kentucky
- Seattle/Tacoma International (SEA) – Washington
- San Francisco International (SFO) – California
- Salt Lake City International (SLC) – Utah
- Teterboro Airport (TEB) – New Jersey
- Tampa International (TPA) – Florida
Travelers are encouraged to check with their airlines for the latest updates and plan ahead.
