Hundreds of flights in the United States have been canceled this week, with more cancellations anticipated in the days ahead due to a government-mandated reduction in air travel services. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is implementing a 10% cutback in air traffic to address safety concerns caused by staffing shortages resulting from the ongoing government shutdown that commenced on October 1.
The FAA’s decision to reduce flights aims to alleviate pressure on air traffic controllers who are currently working without pay and facing increasing instances of absenteeism. The agency expressed worries about operational risks due to delays, unpredictable staffing shortages, and fatigue among air traffic controllers.
Recently, a critical incident occurred at Hollywood Burbank Airport in Southern California when an air traffic control tower was left unattended as a pilot was preparing for takeoff. This incident underscores the severity of the staffing shortages affecting air travel operations.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged the challenges faced by air traffic controllers and emphasized the need for a resolution to the government shutdown to restore normal air travel operations. Duffy highlighted the pressure on air traffic controllers and urged Democrats to act swiftly to end the shutdown.
The FAA announced that the flight reductions would impact 40 major airports across the country, with cities like New York and Chicago experiencing disruptions at multiple airports. The reduction in flights started at 4% on Friday, with plans to increase to 6% next Tuesday and reach 10% by November 14.
If the shutdown persists, the U.S. government could compel airlines to cut up to 20% of flights. FlightAware reported over 1,000 flight cancellations across the U.S. on Friday, indicating the significant impact on air travel.
The current government shutdown, which began in October, stems from a funding dispute and has resulted in extensive service disruptions. As the shutdown entered its 36th day, it broke the record for the longest in U.S. history, with no resolution in sight due to ongoing negotiations between Democrats and Republicans.
While the flight cuts only affect domestic flights within the U.S., Canadian travelers could face disruptions due to the close partnership between Canadian and U.S. airlines. Air Canada, Porter Airlines, and WestJet have already implemented measures to manage the impact on their operations and passengers.
The duration of the flight disruptions is uncertain and tied to the resolution of the government shutdown. The FAA will continue to monitor flight operations and adjust restrictions accordingly once funding is restored. The timeline for ending the shutdown remains unclear as political deadlock persists between the two parties.