FAA Reduces Flights Amid Government Shutdown
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will cut air traffic by 10% in 40 major U.S. markets starting Friday due to unpaid air traffic controllers calling out during the ongoing government shutdown—the longest in U.S. history.
Impact on Travelers
Travelers should check their flight status before heading to the airport and be aware of their rights if delays or cancellations affect their plans.
Reason for Flight Reductions
The FAA faces staffing shortages as some air traffic controllers refuse to work without pay, leading to delays and cancellations nationwide.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said, “We can’t ignore it,” acknowledging the shutdown's impact on staffing pressures and emphasizing the agency will not wait for a major problem before acting.
Visual Context
- Travelers wait for flights at Los Angeles International Airport (photo by Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images).
- Cancelled flights appear on a screen at Orlando International Airport (photo by Rodriguez Carrillo/AFP via Getty Images).
As staffing issues worsen throughout the shutdown, the FAA takes proactive steps to maintain safety by limiting flights.
Summary: The FAA is proactively reducing flights by 10% in major markets due to unpaid air traffic controllers causing delays and cancellations during the prolonged government shutdown.