Airports across the United States are struggling under the weight of a record-breaking number of holiday travellers, triggering nationwide delays and prompting federal aviation authorities to step in. The chaos unfolded on Monday, one of the year's busiest travel days, as millions embarked on their festive getaways.
FAA Imposes Major Traffic Restrictions
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was forced to enact a significant traffic flow programme starting Monday afternoon. The restrictions, impacting 21 major US air travel hubs, were designed to manage the overwhelming volume of aircraft in the skies. Affected airports include those serving New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington, Boston, Miami, and Minneapolis.
Under the measures, flights from major airports faced potential departure delays of up to two hours. The FAA established an hourly limit on flights crossing a designated Flow Constrained Area (FCA), a specific zone created to manage congested flight routes. The restrictions were in effect from 12pm ET until 6pm on Monday evening.
Peak Delay Times and Record Travel Numbers
Delays fluctuated throughout the afternoon, with the FAA predicting average hold-ups of 25 minutes between 12pm and 1pm. However, the situation worsened considerably, with expected delays ballooning to 76 minutes between 3pm and 4pm. The maximum delays for flights navigating the constrained airspace were forecast to reach nearly two hours.
The scale of the disruption is linked to unprecedented travel demand. The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that over 122 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more between December 20 and January 1, 2026—a new record for the holiday period. The auto club specifically noted that eight million people are expected to fly in the final 13 days of 2025, an increase of over 180,000 from the previous year.
Popular Destinations and International Impact
The FAA's FCAMA5 zone, often encompassing flights near the Caribbean, has been a particular hotspot. This aligns with AAA's data showing Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami as the top three domestic destinations for holidaymakers. Internationally, Cancun and Punta Cana lead the list.
The ripple effects of the US restrictions were felt internationally. Eleven airports in Canada, including major hubs like Toronto Pearson, Montréal–Trudeau, and Vancouver International, were also impacted by the FAA's announcement. Early on Monday, over 1,200 international flights to or from the US were already delayed, with many involving routes to and from India, Indonesia, and Australia.
Expert Advice for Travellers
Facing the congested terminals and uncertain schedules, travel experts urge passengers to take proactive steps. Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA, advised: 'Our advice is to plan ahead. Book early, allow extra time to reach your destination, and think about travel insurance if you're flying during winter weather.'
Key recommendations for flyers this week include:
- Check your flight status regularly before leaving for the airport.
- Sign up for airline alerts for real-time updates.
- Arrive early—at least two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international departures.
- Pack smartly, keeping essential medications, chargers, and a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage.
- Review your airline's rebooking and refund policies in case of cancellations.
With the festive travel surge set to continue, passengers are braced for further disruptions as they navigate one of the most challenging periods for air travel in recent years.
