If you were planning on flying on United Airlines in the coming days, you should be aware that your flight may not take off as planned.

United Airlines is one of multiple major airlines being forced to cancel flights.

United Airlines was prompted to cancel many of its flights as a result of an order from the government to reduce air travel by as much as 10% beginning on November 7, 2025. 

Many United Airlines flights will soon be canceled.

Image source: Shutterstock

U.S. government says United Airlines must cancel flights

The government is requiring United Airlines and numerous other airlines to fly fewer flights because there are not enough air traffic controllers, in light of the ongoing government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025.

The shutdown has left air traffic controllers and TSA workers forced to work without pay, and it has now stretched on for over a month, with multiple paychecks missed.

Unfortunately, the consequences are hitting home for United Airlines flyers, as well as for those flying on many of the other airlines that have now been forced to reduce capacity due to the FAA’s order. 

United Airlines announces many flights will be canceled 

United Airlines made an announcement on Facebook about the cancellation of many of its flights. The airline posted at 9:55 p.m. on November 5, 2025, stating the following:

“The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation have directed every airline, across 40 U.S. airports, to meaningfully reduce their schedules during the government shutdown. The goal is to relieve pressure on the national aviation system to keep us all operating safely. That is the highest priority for the FAA — and for United.”

Related: Major US airport closes TSA checkpoints, no plans to reopen

United went on to explain that “United’s long-haul international and hub-to-hub flights will not be impacted. Instead, the focus is on schedule reductions to regional and domestic mainline flights that do not travel between our hub airports.”

In other words, domestic flights will be impacted most, so people traveling within the United States are more likely to have their travel disrupted. 

When the United Airlines flight cancellations go into effect

United Airlines indicated that the FAA had ordered the reduction to begin on November 7, 2025, and that it would cancel many flights effective on this date.

However, this is expected to be an ongoing situation, at least until the government is reopened and air traffic controllers can begin getting paid again. 

More Airlines:

• Airline cuts last flight into this US city, refunds available
• TSA issues stern warning on item over 13 million Americans use
• Spirit Airlines cuts more flights and jobs amid second bankruptcy

Since the situation is ongoing, United Airlines has made clear that multiple cancellations will happen over time – it will not just be on Nov. 7 that planes don’t make it to their destinations. 

“We will continue to make rolling updates to our schedule so we can provide several days’ advance notice.”

United Airlines says you are eligible for a refund if your flight is canceled

The cancellation of a huge number of flights from United Airlines and other airlines is obviously not good news, but at least those whose trips are affected will not find themselves fighting to get their money back.

United Airlines confirmed that it will work proactively to keep customers updated regarding their flights, and that it will take care of those who can’t get to their destination.

In the Facebook post, United Airlines said, “Any customer traveling during this period is eligible for a refund – even if your flight is not impacted. That includes all non-refundable and Basic Economy tickets.”

How will you know if your United Airlines flight is canceled?

Finally, United Airlines indicated that if your flight is canceled, the airline will proactively reach out to inform you. 

“If your flight is impacted, we will notify you in advance via the United app, our website or a text.”

Before heading to the airport, be sure to check your texts or app to make sure your flight is still a go. If not, contact United Airlines customer service to learn about your options.

Related: Frontier Airlines permanently cancels all flights to major airport