Travelers through busy U.S. airports are anticipating an announcement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Thursday regarding potential flight reductions as the ongoing government shutdown continues into its second month.
The FAA plans to disclose 40 'high-volume markets' where it will implement a 10% reduction in flights, set to take effect on Friday. Agency administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized that this measure is necessary to maintain safety in the airspace amid staffing shortages caused by the shutdown.
Analysts have warned that these cuts could lead to the cancellation of hundreds, if not thousands, of flights, impacting approximately 268,000 seats, according to estimates from aviation analytics firm Cirium.
“This situation is unprecedented in my 35 years in the aviation market,” Bedford stated, indicating the unique challenges presented by the ongoing government shutdown.
Air traffic controllers have continued to work without pay since the shutdown began on October 1, with many reporting they are forced to work mandatory overtime just to meet basic financial needs.
Despite a hope for a swift resolution, even if the shutdown ends, the FAA has indicated they will not return to normal operations until staffing issues are addressed.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has echoed concerns about the state of air travel, warning that the situation could escalate to chaos in the skies if controllers miss their second paycheck next week.
In light of these circumstances, major airlines and the broader travel industry are calling on Congress to end the shutdown, citing increasing operational difficulties that could undermine travelers' confidence in U.S. air travel.
Bedford and Duffy have not publicly specified which cities and airports will be affected, indicating the need for coordination with airline executives for a safe implementation of the flight reductions.
As the shutdown prolongs, the impacts on air traffic are becoming more severe, posing challenges to travelers across the nation.
