Flight cancellations kick in at LAX, ONT as airports start government-decreed cuts

Flight Cancellations Begin at LAX and ONT Amid Government-Imposed Reductions

Airlines have started notifying passengers about potential disruptions as the U.S. Department of Transportation enforces a 10% reduction in flight capacities at major airports across the country. This began early Friday, affecting flights departing from Los Angeles International (LAX), Ontario International (ONT), and San Diego International airports.

According to FlightAware, a flight tracking service, nearly 700 flights scheduled for Friday nationwide were canceled, a figure four times higher than the previous day and expected to increase.

Impacts at Southern California Airports

Travelers at LAX and ONT have already encountered cancellations and disrupted connecting flights, creating significant travel delays. The governmental shutdown causing these measures shows no signs of resolution soon.

San Francisco Airport Faces Ground Stop Due to Staffing Issues

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) was placed under a full ground stop just before 4 a.m. Friday, with no arrivals permitted. Departures bound for SFO were delayed until at least 8:45 a.m. PST.

“Due to staffing, departure traffic destined to San Francisco International Airport … will not be allowed to depart until at or after 8:45 a.m. PST,” an air traffic statement said.

As of 4 a.m., average ground delays at SFO were reported to be one hour and six minutes.

Summary

Government-mandated flight capacity cuts are causing widespread cancellations and delays at major California airports, severely impacting travelers amid ongoing staffing shortages.

Author’s Summary

The government-enforced 10% flight capacity reduction has led to numerous cancellations and delays at Southern California airports and SFO due to staffing shortages, worsening holiday travel disruptions.

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Orange County Register Orange County Register — 2025-11-07

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