Air travel in the United States is set to face disruptions as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 major markets due to the ongoing government shutdown. This move aims to alleviate strain on air traffic controllers who have been working without pay and experiencing increased absences.
The airports affected by the flight reductions include major hubs such as Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Orlando, Miami, and San Francisco, as well as multiple airports in cities like New York, Chicago, and Houston. The FAA’s decision comes as controllers miss paychecks and financial pressures intensify.
Airlines, including United Airlines, are preparing to minimize the impact on travelers by focusing the cuts on smaller regional routes. Passengers are advised to stay informed about potential cancellations by downloading their airline’s app and turning on notifications. Refunds will be offered to passengers who choose not to fly, even for non-refundable tickets.
Experts estimate that up to 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats could be affected by the reductions. FAA administrator Bryan Bedford highlighted the unprecedented nature of the situation, emphasizing the need to address staffing challenges.
While the FAA and Department of Transportation have not disclosed the specific airports facing reduced air traffic, a list obtained by The Associated Press includes major airports like Los Angeles International, Chicago O’Hare, and New York’s JFK and LaGuardia. Major airlines and industry stakeholders are urging Congress to end the shutdown to prevent further disruptions to air travel.
