The ongoing US government shutdown, the longest in the country’s history, has forced major flight capacity reductions at 40 of the busiest air traffic areas, citing severe staffing issues. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that scheduled flight capacity would be cut by 10% starting tomorrow.
The cuts are a direct result of the shutdown forcing 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA agents to work without pay. The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), which is already 3,500 controllers short of targeted staffing levels, is implementing the cuts to relieve pressure on overworked staff and maintain air safety.
- Implementation Plan: Industry sources told Reuters that the FAA plans a phased reduction, starting at 4% tomorrow, rising to 5% on Saturday, and 6% on Sunday, before hitting 10% next week.
- Exemptions: International flights will be exempt from the cuts.
- Impact: The reductions are expected to hit the 30 busiest airports, including those serving New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles, potentially reducing as many as 1,800 flights and impacting over 268,000 seats.
- Airlines Respond: Carriers like United Airlines are targeting cuts at regional flying and non-hub domestic routes, while preserving long-haul international and hub-to-hub operations. United CEO Scott Kirby also announced a flexible refund policy for all affected customers.
Secretary Duffy stressed that the decision was made to “continue to keep the airspace safe,” citing a confidential safety assessment. He added that the cuts could be reversed if Democrats agree to reopen the government. Democrats, meanwhile, contend Republicans are responsible for refusing to negotiate.
