The Federal Aviation Administration's order to reduce air traffic at 40 major US airports has so far had minimal effect on cargo flows, though shippers are being urged to prepare contingency plans, reported Washington's SupplyChain Dive.

The FAA directed airports to cut traffic by four per cent by November 7 and expand to 10 per cent by November 14, citing strain from the ongoing government shutdown. The agency said restrictions would be lifted once funding is restored and system stress reduced.

International flights remain exempt, limiting the impact on freight, according to Mike Short, president of Global Forwarding at CH Robinson. He noted that domestic markets could face tighter capacity and longer transit times as most US cargo moves in passenger aircraft bellies.

Derek Lossing of Cirrus Global Advisors said cuts have largely targeted short-haul regional flights, which carry little cargo. He added that airlines are protecting international and hub-to-hub operations, preserving widebody capacity.

FedEx, UPS and Delta Cargo reported little disruption, as many of their flights operate overnight outside the restricted hours of 6am to 10pm. FedEx confirmed international services continue without interruption, while UPS said it is flexing its network to safeguard critical shipments.

Delta said long-haul international flights remain unaffected, though domestic schedules may be adjusted. Clearjet, which relies on passenger flight capacity, said its model allows real-time rerouting to maintain flows.

Analysts warned prolonged cuts could pressure freight volumes, particularly in regional markets, with airports likely to prioritise passenger traffic. Lossing advised shippers to maintain backup plans, including later flights or shifting to trucks.

Short cautioned that ground networks can absorb some displaced cargo but face challenges from spot rate volatility and equipment repositioning. He said C.H. Robinson is reviewing customer inventories to mitigate potential gaps.