Significant impacts are expected on air transport in the United States, as the federal government announced that starting tomorrow, Friday, a gradual reduction in air capacity will be implemented at 40 airports with the highest passenger traffic volume in the country, due to the prolonged government “shutdown”.
According to the US Department of Transportation, the reduction will begin with a 4% reduction in domestic flights on Friday, reaching 6% on Sunday and reaching 10% next week. The cancellations are expected to affect between 3,500 and 4,000 flights daily, although the specific airports that will be affected have not yet been announced.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that “further disruption and frustration is expected” for travelers, but stressed that “our primary goal is to keep the airspace as safe as possible.” He noted that the department is working with airlines to minimize inconvenience to passengers.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the decision to reduce flights was made due to growing fatigue problems among air traffic controllers, many of whom have been working without pay for more than a month. FAA Administrator Brian Bedford said the system is already operating with a shortage of more than 3,000 certified controllers, making air traffic management extremely difficult.
“We are seeing pressures building up in a way that, if left unchecked, will not allow us to continue to assure the public that we operate the safest aviation system in the world,” Bedford said.
Jeff Freeman, president and CEO of the US Travel Association, said that “safety is the absolute priority,” but warned that “forced flight reductions will inevitably lead to longer delays, fewer seats available, and increased inconvenience for travelers.” He blamed Congress for the situation, saying that “all government shutdowns are irresponsible and undermine confidence in the American travel system.”
Airlines are trying to manage the situation. American Airlines said it was awaiting further information from the FAA to determine which flights would be affected, but stressed that “the vast majority of passengers will not experience any problems.” United Airlines said it was adjusting its schedules and would notify passengers whose flights might be canceled.
The government shutdown—now the longest in U.S. history, at 36 days—has already caused widespread delays at airports and severe staffing shortages. If the political paralysis continues, the FAA warns that even more restrictive measures may be needed to maintain flight safety.
