The Federal Aviation Administration has announced that it will be reducing flight traffic by 10% at 40 major airports across the United States, starting on Friday, November 7. This decision is a direct response to the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has caused staffing issues and concerns about safety.
According to reports, the FAA is struggling with a shortage of air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay since October. This has led to an increase in callouts, causing delays at airports nationwide. In order to maintain safety, the FAA has decided to slow down traffic when there is a shortage of controllers.
The affected airports have been identified as “high-volume” markets by the FAA, which aligns with a list provided by Airports Council International – North America of the country’s busiest airports. The official list of affected airports is set to be released on Thursday.
Senior officials will be meeting with airline executives to discuss the implementation of the flight reductions. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will lead these talks, with the aim of creating a sustainable system during the government shutdown.
This decision is expected to have a significant impact on holiday travel, with millions of passengers potentially facing cancellations and rescheduling. Airlines will need to quickly adjust their schedules and inform customers, while the economic consequences for airports and local businesses could be severe.
The list of affected airports includes major international gateways such as Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), and Newark Liberty. This highlights the real-world consequences of the political shutdown and its impact on everyday Americans.
The FAA’s decision to cut flights is a major escalation in the shutdown’s effects, and it underscores the critical role of air traffic controllers, who often go unnoticed. Passengers should expect increased delays and potential cancellations, and those traveling from major hubs in the coming weeks are most likely to be affected. It is advised to contact your airline for specific flight status information.
The shortage of air traffic controllers is a direct result of the government shutdown, which has left many essential personnel working without pay. This financial strain has led to increased absences, putting a strain on the system.
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