In brief
As the government shutdown continues, the FAA has decided to cut air traffic by 10% in 40 high-traffic areas to maintain safety levels due to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized the importance of proactive measures to avoid further deterioration, with significant delays already affecting many travelers. Major airlines and aviation stakeholders are advocating for an end to the shutdown, as workers continue to shoulder mandatory overtime without pay.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Wednesday that starting Friday morning, it will reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 high-volume markets to ensure safety during the ongoing government shutdown.
This reduction is expected to affect thousands of flights throughout the country.
The FAA is grappling with staffing shortages among air traffic controllers who have been working without pay since the shutdown started on October 1. Many controllers have been calling out of work, contributing to flight delays nationwide.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that the agency cannot wait for a crisis to take action, noting the increasing staffing pressures caused by the shutdown. We can’t ignore it, he asserted.
Both Bedford and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy are set to meet later on Wednesday with airline executives to discuss how to effectively implement the flight reductions.
The early indicators are telling us we can take action today to prevent things from deteriorating, Bedford commented.
While the specific markets affected were not disclosed during the news conference, Bedford indicated a list would be available on Thursday after discussions with airlines.
If the pressures continue to build even after we take these measures, we’ll come back and take additional measures, he added.
Flight delays have already been reported nationwide, with some lasting hours due to the FAA’s need to slow down or temporarily stop air traffic whenever it experiences a shortage of controllers. Last weekend, Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey saw some of the most severe delays.
Major airlines, aviation unions, and the broader travel industry have been urging Congress to end the shutdown. Cirium, an aviation analytics firm, reported a noticeable slowdown in flight data across the nation’s aviation system, particularly last Thursday, marking the first significant trend since the shutdown began. This followed the missed paychecks for controllers.
Earlier this week, Duffy cautioned that the potential for disruption could escalate if the shutdown continues and keeps air traffic controllers from being paid again next Tuesday. Most controllers have been compelled to work extensive overtime while managing unpaid demands, leaving them with little opportunity to take additional work to supplement their income.