US Orders 10 Percent Flight Cuts at Major Airports Due to Shutdown
The government shutdown has led to a 10 percent reduction in flights at major US airports, aiming to mitigate air traffic control concerns.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Wednesday a plan to reduce flight capacity by 10 percent at 40 major US airports due to ongoing air traffic control safety concerns.
This drastic measure comes as the government shutdown reaches a record 36 days.
The cuts have prompted airlines to rapidly adjust their schedules, with passengers inundating airline customer service lines with inquiries about upcoming flights.
Duffy stated that these flight reductions could be reversed if Democrats agreed to reopen the government.
The shutdown has already caused significant disruptions in the aviation industry, with tens of thousands of flights delayed due to air traffic control shortages.
At least 3.2 million travelers have been impacted by these delays.
The FAA assessed the situation and concluded that further action was necessary to ensure airspace safety.
According to Reuters, capacity reductions will begin at 4 percent and rise to 10 percent next week, with international flights exempted from the cuts.
This affects approximately 1,800 flights and 268,000 airline seats across major airports like New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Dallas.
The FAA faces a shortage of about 3,500 air traffic controllers and has been operating with mandatory overtime and six-day workweeks before the shutdown.
The agency warned that additional flight restrictions may be implemented if air traffic issues persist after Friday.
Airlines for America, representing major US carriers such as Delta, United, American, and Southwest, stated they are working to understand the new requirements and mitigate impacts on passengers and shippers.
Airlines have urged an end to the shutdown due to safety concerns.
The government shutdown has also had broader effects, with many low-income Americans affected by the closure of food assistance programs and other government services.
The dispute centers around health insurance subsidies, with Democrats refusing to approve a funding bill without addressing these provisions.
Duffy previously warned that prolonged shutdown could lead to 'mass chaos' and potentially require airspace closures.
While airlines have seen minimal impact so far, they caution that bookings may decline if the shutdown continues.
Over 2,100 flights were delayed on Wednesday.
The FAA's announcement has been met with concerns about the potential for further disruptions in an already strained aviation system.
This drastic measure comes as the government shutdown reaches a record 36 days.
The cuts have prompted airlines to rapidly adjust their schedules, with passengers inundating airline customer service lines with inquiries about upcoming flights.
Duffy stated that these flight reductions could be reversed if Democrats agreed to reopen the government.
The shutdown has already caused significant disruptions in the aviation industry, with tens of thousands of flights delayed due to air traffic control shortages.
At least 3.2 million travelers have been impacted by these delays.
The FAA assessed the situation and concluded that further action was necessary to ensure airspace safety.
According to Reuters, capacity reductions will begin at 4 percent and rise to 10 percent next week, with international flights exempted from the cuts.
This affects approximately 1,800 flights and 268,000 airline seats across major airports like New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Dallas.
The FAA faces a shortage of about 3,500 air traffic controllers and has been operating with mandatory overtime and six-day workweeks before the shutdown.
The agency warned that additional flight restrictions may be implemented if air traffic issues persist after Friday.
Airlines for America, representing major US carriers such as Delta, United, American, and Southwest, stated they are working to understand the new requirements and mitigate impacts on passengers and shippers.
Airlines have urged an end to the shutdown due to safety concerns.
The government shutdown has also had broader effects, with many low-income Americans affected by the closure of food assistance programs and other government services.
The dispute centers around health insurance subsidies, with Democrats refusing to approve a funding bill without addressing these provisions.
Duffy previously warned that prolonged shutdown could lead to 'mass chaos' and potentially require airspace closures.
While airlines have seen minimal impact so far, they caution that bookings may decline if the shutdown continues.
Over 2,100 flights were delayed on Wednesday.
The FAA's announcement has been met with concerns about the potential for further disruptions in an already strained aviation system.
