An Update on the Government Shutdown from Scott Kirby to United Employees

Rhea-AI Summary

United Airlines (NYSE:UAL) announced operational changes tied to the government shutdown: the FAA and DOT directed airlines to reduce schedules across 40 domestic airports, effective Friday, November 7, 2025. United said it will prioritize safety, keep long‑haul international and hub‑to‑hub flying intact, and concentrate reductions on regional and non‑hub domestic mainline routes.

The company will provide rolling schedule updates, offer rebooking via app/website/push notifications, and allow refunds to any customer who chooses not to travel—including holders of non‑refundable and basic economy tickets. United and United Express expect to operate about 4,000 flights per day during the reduction period.

Positive

• Long‑haul and hub‑to‑hub flying maintained
• ~4,000 flights per day will still operate during reductions
• Refund policy includes non‑refundable/basic economy which may reduce customer friction

Negative

• Schedule reductions begin Nov 7, 2025 and target regional and non‑hub domestic flying
• Company may face revenue impact from refunds including non‑refundable tickets
• Rolling schedule changes create operational uncertainty for customers and crew

CHICAGO, Nov. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --

United team:

Earlier today, the FAA and DOT directed every airline to reduce their schedules during the government shutdown, across 40 domestic airports.

The FAA's goal is to relieve pressure on the aviation system so that we can all continue to operate safely. That is the FAA's highest priority, and ours as well. No matter what environment we're operating in, we will not compromise on safety.

These reductions will start on Friday, November 7, and we will continue to make rolling updates to our schedule as the government shutdown continues so we can give our customers several days' advance notice and to minimize disruption for them and for all of you.

United's long-haul international flying and our hub-to-hub flying will not be impacted by this schedule reduction direction from the FAA. That's important to maintain the integrity of our network, give impacted customers as many options as possible to resume their trip, and sustain our crew pairing systems.

Instead, we will focus our schedule reductions on regional flying and domestic mainline flights that do not travel between our hubs.

We'll use our app, website and push notifications to communicate to customers directly if their flight changes, and to offer rebooking options. We want to provide them with as much information as we can and in a way that's simple and easy to understand.

And importantly, any customer traveling during this period is eligible for a refund if they do not wish to fly – even if their flight isn't impacted. That includes non-refundable tickets and those customers with basic economy tickets.

Even with these schedule reductions, United and its United Express partners will still offer about 4,000 flights per day to fly our customers to their destinations. And because of the early November timing, our flights have more seats available than before the summer, meaning we should be able to find seats for many customers even if their flight is canceled.

Finally, thank you for going above and beyond during this government shutdown to take care of our customers and one another. Your professionalism and care will be more important than ever in the days ahead.

Scott

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SOURCE United Airlines

FAQ

What did United Airlines (UAL) announce about flight schedules on November 6, 2025?

United said the FAA/DOT directed schedule reductions across 40 domestic airports, with changes starting Nov 7, 2025 and rolling updates to follow.

Which United (UAL) flights will not be impacted by the FAA schedule reductions?

United stated that long‑haul international and hub‑to‑hub flying will not be impacted.

How many United (UAL) flights will operate during the government shutdown schedule reductions?

United and its United Express partners expect to operate about 4,000 flights per day during the reduction period.

Can United (UAL) customers get refunds if their trip occurs during the shutdown period?

Yes — United said any customer traveling during this period is eligible for a refund, even for non‑refundable or basic economy tickets.

How will United (UAL) notify passengers of flight changes during the shutdown?

United will use its app, website, and push notifications to communicate changes and rebooking options.