Flights Reduced

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered flight reductions at 40 major US airports due to staffing shortages caused by the government shutdown.

Context

The government shutdown, which began on October 1, became the longest in US history this week. The shutdown has forced approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 security screeners to work without pay for weeks. Before the shutdown, the FAA was already short about 3,500 air traffic controllers, with many working mandatory overtime and six-day weeks.

Flight Cuts Begin

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Wednesday that the FAA would order steep flight cuts, citing air traffic control safety risks from the prolonged shutdown. The reductions are set to begin on Friday, starting at 4% of scheduled flights and gradually increasing to 10% by the following week if the shutdown persists.