WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Wednesday that it will proactively reduce air traffic at dozens of major U.S. airports as early as Friday if the ongoing government shutdown is not resolved. The cuts are a direct response to the increasing staffing shortages of air traffic controllers caused by the shutdown.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that 10% of air traffic would be cut at approximately 40 high-volume airports, potentially impacting thousands of flights. The specific airports and schedule details will be finalized in meetings with airlines on Wednesday night.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford called the new plan “prescriptive” and “surgical,” emphasizing the need to maintain air safety.
The flight reductions come as air traffic controllers, who are deemed essential personnel, continue to work without pay. Controllers are set to miss their second whole paycheck next week, leading some to call in sick in protest or seek second jobs.
Secretary Duffy acknowledged the pressure on the workforce: “I’m not naive enough to understand that they’re trying to figure out how they meet their daily obligations.”
According to a CNN analysis, over 400 staffing shortages have been reported at FAA facilities since the shutdown began—a number more than four times higher than the same period last year. The staffing issues have already caused a rise in flight delays and cancellations nationwide.
The new measures will apply beyond commercial air travel, including restrictions on space launches and small aircraft traffic in affected markets. Airlines for America, an industry trade group, stated that it is working with the government to mitigate the impacts on passengers.
