FAA to Reduce Flights by 10% at 40 Major Airports Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced plans to reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 high-volume markets beginning Friday morning, aiming to maintain safety during the ongoing government shutdown.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the reduction is necessary due to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay since the shutdown began on October 1. Some controllers have called out of work, leading to delays across the country.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized the need for proactive measures, citing growing staffing pressures caused by the shutdown. He mentioned that the agency would meet with airline executives to determine how to safely implement the reduction in flights.

The specific airports affected have not been disclosed, but the cuts are expected to impact major hubs, including those serving New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Dallas.

The government shutdown, now in its 36th day, has forced 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration agents to work without pay, exacerbating staff shortages and causing widespread flight delays and extended lines at ... screenings.

Duffy warned that if the shutdown continues, the FAA might have to take additional measures, including potential closures of parts of U.S. airspace, which could lead to "mass chaos" in the aviation system.