The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Thursday that domestic flights at 40 major airports will be gradually reduced by up to 10 percent in the coming days due to the ongoing government shutdown, affecting thousands of flights and disrupting passenger travel.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the reduction is necessary to address the overwork and fatigue of air traffic controllers, as nearly 1.4 million federal employees are either working without pay or on mandatory leave while Congress has yet to approve the budget. FAA Administrator Brian Bedford described the situation as creating abnormal operating conditions for controllers.
The flight reductions will be implemented in stages: 4 percent starting Friday, 6 percent on November 11, 8 percent on November 13, and reaching the full 10 percent on November 14. Major airports expected to be affected include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, New York JFK, Chicago O’Hare, Ronald Reagan Washington National, and Los Angeles International. Up to 3,000–4,000 flights per day could be canceled, though international flights are not impacted.
Airlines have warned passengers and suggested alternative arrangements. American Airlines stated it is awaiting further guidance from the FAA and hopes most flights will remain unaffected. Delta Airlines assured travelers that most flights will operate as scheduled, with options to cancel or reschedule without penalties.
Officials emphasized that the measure prioritizes passenger safety and aims to reduce controller fatigue, ensuring smooth operations amid the unusual circumstances caused by the shutdown.
Source: BBC.