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Hawaiian Airlines announced Thursday it will start by cancelling four Neighbor Island flights on Friday as FAA-mandated air-traffic reductions take effect. This marks the first real disruption reported in Hawaii’s skies since the government shutdown began. It comes just under three weeks before Thanksgiving as Hawaii enters its peak travel season. The FAA’s directive to cut capacity at 40 major U.S. airports has now reached Honolulu, one of the most geographically isolated airline hubs in the country.

Hawaii flight cancellations live.

We’re monitoring Hawaii flight cancellations through Friday. Latest updates appear below, with the most recent at top. Check back for new information as it develops.

LIVE UPDATES: 4:45 p.m. HST

No additional Hawaii flight cancellations have been reported for Friday since our 2:15 pm update. Please be diligent about checking your Hawaii flights with your airline before heading out.

LIVE UPDATES : 2:15 p.m. HSTHawaiian and Southwest have already begun canceling interisland Hawaii flights for Friday 11/7. Beat of Hawaii is monitoring throughout the day.

4 Hawaiian interisland flights canceled at Honolulu. 2 Hawaiian interisland flights canceled at Maui.2 Hawaiian interisland flights canceled at Kona. 2 Southwest flights reported canceled at Honolulu. 2 Southwest flights canceled at Kona.

Flight numbers impacted:

HA1078 HNL-KOAHA1067 KOA-HNLHA1066 HNL-OGGHA1155 OGG-HNL

Hawaii DOT Director Ed Sniffen has formally requested that the FAA exempt Honolulu and other state airports from the planned 10% reduction in flights. In a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Sniffen wrote Hawaii is “uniquely vulnerable as the nation’s most isolated population center” and offered to immediately fund the full salaries and benefits of all FAA air-traffic controllers and TSA screeners assigned to Hawaii facilities until the shutdown ends. He said DOT is prepared to implement this emergency measure within 24 hours to “maintain full flight schedules, protect public safety, and prevent unnecessary damage to a state that contributes disproportionately to America’s strategic interests.”

Hawaiian acts first.

Hawaiian Airlines said it will first cancel two roundtrips between Honolulu and Maui and two between Honolulu and Kona on Friday. Twenty other daily roundtrips to Maui and fifteen to Kona remain scheduled, but the move signals the start of real flight reductions after weeks of FAA warnings. The four flights may represent only the beginning of far broader cuts ahead.

The airline said affected travelers will be rebooked or refunded. Flights to Kauai and Hilo are currently set to operate as normal, and longer-haul service to the mainland and Pacific destinations are currently unaffected.

Unlike on the mainland, there are no alternate modes of rapid travel between islands. When a flight cancels, plans don’t just shift, they stop. For residents and visitors alike, these first cuts are more than an inconvenience. They’re a reminder that Hawaii’s inter-island system and its entire air network are fragile lifelines.

Alaska Airlines follows, Southwest stays quiet.

Alaska Air Group, parent company of both Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines, issued a joint statement Thursday confirming both carriers will cancel “a limited number of flights” starting Friday. While Hawaiian specified its four inter-island cancellations, Alaska has not detailed which Hawaii routes will be cut. The company said most cancellations will occur on routes with multiple daily frequencies, allowing passengers to rebook with minimal disruption. International flights remain unaffected.

Southwest Airlines, meanwhile, has yet to weigh in fully. The carrier operates multiple daily flights between California and Hawaii, plus a large network of inter-island service connecting Honolulu to Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai. Because its planes rotate between mainland and Hawaii routes throughout the day, any capacity limits at West Coast airports could quickly ripple into its island schedule. For now, we await more details about how the restrictions will affect Southwest Hawaii flights.

Honolulu’s fragile air hub.

Honolulu is the heartbeat of Hawaii’s air network. The majority of flights and inter-island connection flows through HNL. When Honolulu slows, the rest of Hawaii feels it almost without delay.

Friday’s cancellations may seem small, but they expose just how quickly a mainland policy decision can ripple across the islands. A slowdown at HNL will not stay contained, it is likely to touch every neighbor island within hours.

What travelers need to know.

For now, Hawaiian and Alaska say most affected travelers can be rebooked the same day. If you’re flying Friday between Honolulu, Maui, or Kona, check notifications you should have received before leaving for the airport.

Flights to the mainland and international destinations remain stable for now. But if the FAA extends the order, more cuts could follow at any time.

Trip-insurance holders should double-check their coverage. Most plans don’t cover government-related disruptions unless Cancel For Any Reason coverage was purchased. We covered this in detail when the cuts were first announced in Hawaii Travelers Face Flight Chaos As FAA Cuts Loom.

Hawaii’s air travel network.

Hawaii’s air system has always been one of the most interdependent in the nation. When one part slows, the entire network feels it. Friday’s four canceled flights may seem small, but they’re a reminder of how fragile this lifeline is and how quickly implications can grow.

For Hawaiian Airlines, the timing adds to an already challenging year of fleet transitions, operational hurdles and technical meltdowns. For travelers, it’s another reality check: Hawaii’s beauty and isolation come with a cost. Everything depends on air travel.

What’s next for Hawaii flights.

The FAA says only that the reductions are “temporary and safety-driven.” With no end to the shutdown clearly in sight, more adjustments could follow as airlines reassess weekend and holiday schedules.

For Hawaii travelers, the shift from “looming” to “in effect” has officially begun. Once flight cancellations begin here, it’s no longer hypothetical, it’s real.

Have you received a cancellation notice for this weekend? What did the airline tell you about rebooking? Share your experience in the comments below.

BOH file photo: Honolulu Airport flight information board.

The Honolulu airport is one of 40 major U.S. airports that will see flights reduced by 10% starting Friday in response to air traffic controller staffing issues caused by the federal government shutdown, according to a list released Thursday evening by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

In response, the Hawaii Department of Transportation sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation that said the state was “ready to immediately advance full salaries and benefits for all FAA air traffic controllers and the Transportation Security Administration security screeners assigned to Hawaii facilities” and requested a full waiver for Hawaii airports from the Federal Aviation Administration's planned 10% reduction in scheduled air traffic.

What You Need To Know

The HDOT’s letter cited Hawaii’s unique vulnerability “as the nation’s most isolated population center, with no viable alternative to air travel” and said the reduction in flights would impact medical services, cargo, national defense, and tourism. HDOT declined to respond to Spectrum News Hawaii’s specific questions, saying they were awaiting official guidance from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Airlines react

In response to the FAA’s required reduction effective Friday, Hawaiian Airlines said they are canceling four neighbor island flights: roundtrip flights between Honolulu-Maui and Honolulu-Kona.

“We know how much our residents and visitors rely on our Neighbor Island service, and we will continue to operate a robust schedule with 20 Honolulu-Maui roundtrips, and 15 Honolulu-Kona roundtrips, in addition to our regularly scheduled flights to and from Lihue and Hilo,” spokesperson Alex Da Silva said in an email to Spectrum News Hawaii.

Hawaiian and Alaska airlines, which recently merged but are still operating seperate brands, said flights between Hawaii and the continental U.S., as well as international routes, are not impacted.

Alaska Airlines said in a statement they have “begun canceling a limited number of flights effective Friday,” but did not respond to Spectrum News Hawaii’s inquiries for details. However, the statement said they “worked to ensure smaller and remote communities that are reliant upon air travel are protected. Most of our cancellations are on routes with a higher frequency of flights, allowing most guests to be reaccommodated with as little disruption as possible.”

The two airlines said guests whose flights are canceled will be reaccommodated on other flights when they are available or offered a refund.

“The FAA’s directive is expected to remain in place until further guidance is issued and the shutdown concludes,” Alaska’s statement said.

Southwest Airlines, which is a major airline in Hawaii, said in a news release that it was responding by canceling about 120 flights for Friday across 34 of the 117 airports it serves. Spectrum News Hawaii reached out to the airline about cancellations that may impact Hawaii airports and will update this story if we receive a response.

Tips for travelers

The Hawaii Tourism Authority warned in a news release that along with travelers flying through the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport that travelers flying from airports not directly impacted could experience delays because of the connections between national air travel.

In response to these cuts, the Hawaii Tourism Authority recommended travelers make sure their airline has their correct contact information, especially if the flight was booked through a third party. This can be done by logging into the airline’s website or app and verifying they have the best phone number.

Additionally, HTA said travelers should check their flight status before heading to the airport. They also encouraged people to download their airline’s mobile app and enable alerts and SMS text notifications to stay updated.

Travelers should also leave early for the airport to allow for any delays, according to HTA. If a flight is delayed or canceled, travelers should check with their hotel or accommodations about an extension or revised check-out time before departing for the airport.

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.

Some Hawaii travelers will face disruptions starting Friday as the Federal Aviation Administration implements a reduction in air traffic across 40 major U.S. airports in response to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is expected to release an official list of affected airports today. The Associated Press and ABC News reported that Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is on the list of 40 airports that will see cuts.

The New York Times, citing a person familiar with the discussion who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, reported today that the FAA told airline industry officials Wednesday that the cuts would begin with a 4% reduction in affected markets on Friday and ramp up through the weekend, reaching the 10% decrease by next week.

Nationwide more than 500 flights scheduled for today were cancelled, with more than 600 cancellations planned for Friday, according to FlightAware.com, which tracks flight delays and cancellations. FlightAware reported 24 delays at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport are expected today and no cancellations. FlightAware data so far is showing that two delays are expected on Friday and six cancellations, including four Hawaiian Airlines neighbor island flights and two from Southwest.

FlightAware did not provide more details on the Southwest cancellations, but reported that the cancelled flights Hawaiian Airlines flights, include:

>> Flight 1078, which was slated to fly from Honolulu to Kona at 11:19 a.m.

>> Flight 1067, which was slated to fly from Kona to Honolulu at 12:38 p.m.

>> Flight 1066, which was slated to fly from Honolulu to Kahului at 1:52 p.m.

>> Flight 1155, which was slated to fly from Kahului to Honolulu at 3:32 p.m.

The full weight of the travel disruptions has not hit yet. But Hawaii’s visitor industry officials warn that even airports not directly impacted could experience delays due to the interconnected nature of the national air travel system. A change in flight operations in cities like Boston could ripple across the country, potentially altering itineraries in Honolulu.

Alex Da Silva, Hawaiian Air spokesperson, said “We know how much our residents and visitors rely on our Neighbor Island service, and we will continue to operate a robust schedule with 20 Honolulu -Maui roundtrips and 15 Honolulu-Kona roundtrips, in addition to our regularly scheduled flights to and from Lihue and Hilo. We are notifying impacted guests with the option to be accommodated on the next available flights or receive a full refund. ” He added that Hawaiian and Alaska airlines flights between Hawaii and the continental U.S., as well as international routes, have not been affected.

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) is urging travelers to stay informed and take proactive steps to minimize disruptions, and is offering the following travel tips:

>> Update Contact Info: Ensure your airline has your correct mobile number, especially if you booked through a third-party site.

>> Monitor Flight Status: Use airline apps and enable alerts to stay informed about delays or cancellations.

>> Arrive Early: Whether flying interisland, domestic, or international, allow extra time for potential delays.

>> Plan for Contingencies: If your flight is delayed or canceled, contact your hotel or accommodations to adjust check-out times or extend your stay.

>> Visitors currently in Hawaii or planning a trip can find the latest updates at GoHawaii.com, and additional information will be posted on hawaiitourismauthority.org .

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - With a cane in hand guiding her every step, former Miss Hawaii Cheryl Bartlett slowly walks along the garden of palms and hinahina she and her husband, Rogerio Araujo, grew together outside of their Makiki apartment.

“This is Roger’s pride and joy,” Bartlett said while pointing to the line of potted plants, which has given her some comfort after Araujo was taken by ICE agents last Tuesday.

“That morning is the last morning I saw him,” a whimpering Bartlett added. “Someone is trying to rip the bond, it’s very painful, and that someone is my own country.”

A native of Brazil, 57-year-old Araujo has been living on Oahu for several decades.

Bartlett said they have been trying to secure citizenship for Araujo for about 17 years, but clerical errors delayed them.

The Miss Hawaii 1986 relies on her husband because she is legally blind and has several health complications.

“He escorts me everywhere. I didn’t realize ‘til he was gone, you know, I am so limited,” Bartlett said. “I have to plan everything, like, four hours ahead of time now just to make sure I can get somewhere and I’m taking considerable risk using a cane.”

Despite her frustration over her husband’s detainment, Bartlett said the agents who took him to Honolulu’s Federal Detention Center were professional.

As she and her attorney fight to stop Araujo from being deported, Bartlett is also turning her sorrow into action by advocating for immigration reform.

“I want to show love for my husband, for our community, for our family, even for the ICE agents and the Homeland Security agents who have treated us with professional courtesy,” Bartlett said while fighting back tears.

To raise awareness on deportations, Bartlett plans to hold a peaceful rally on Wednesday at the Prince Kuhio Federal Building.

We reached out to Homeland Security for comment and we have not heard back.

Copyright 2025 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (HawaiiNewsNow/WAVE/AP) - A UPS cargo plane bound for Hawaii crashed and exploded in a massive fireball Tuesday while taking off from the company’s global aviation hub in Louisville, Kentucky, killing at least nine people and injuring 11, authorities said.

The plane crashed at about 5:15 p.m. local time as it departed for Honolulu from Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

Video showed flames on the plane’s left wing and a trail of smoke. The plane then lifted slightly off the ground before crashing and exploding in a huge fireball.

Video also revealed portions of a building’s shredded roof next to the end of the runway.

The FAA said in a statement:

“UPS Flight 2976 crashed around 5:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Nov. 4, after departing from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was headed to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation and will provide all updates.”

Officials said several factors likely contributed to the massive blaze, including the fact that the plane was loaded with enough fuel to make the 4,300-mile journey to Hawaii.

“We’re talking about over 250,000 gallons of jet fuel that was on that plane, so we’re talking about a very, very dangerous situation,” said Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neill.

“There were several explosions initially from the site itself, just by some of the hazards that were created by the facilities that it impacted,” added Jody Meiman, Louisville Metro Emergency Management executive director.

O’Neill said nearby facilities included a fuel recycling storage and bulk fuel storage.

Kentucky’s governor said a business, Kentucky Petroleum Recycling, appeared to be “hit pretty directly,” and a nearby auto parts operation was also affected.

“Right now, we believe that the main area hit consisted of two businesses, but we know there were more businesses impacted,” said Gov. Andy Beshear.

Beshear said Grade A Auto Parts has “accounted for all of their employees but two, but they do not know how many other individuals, customers or others could have been on site at the time.

“Because of the nature of these facilities, it may be some time before we can account for everyone or know that no one else was on the grounds,” Beshear said.

UPS’s largest package handling facility is in Louisville. The hub employs thousands of workers, has 300 daily flights and sorts more than 400,000 packages an hour.

UPS released a brief statement following the crash:

“At approximately 5:20 PM ET tonight, UPS Flight 2976 from Louisville, KY, to Honolulu, an MD-11 with three crewmembers onboard, was involved in an accident in Louisville. At this time, we have not confirmed any injuries/casualties.”

A shelter-in-place was issued for locations near the airport.

“You’re not only dealing with the aircraft itself, but you’re dealing with several businesses that were affected,” said Meiman.

“We’re still going door to door in the area to make sure that every business, every facility, and there’s a couple private residences everybody’s accounted for and everybody has evacuated that immediate area,” Meiman said.

The airport itself was shut down and not expected to resume operations until Wednesday morning.