US Government Warns of Air Travel Cuts at Forty Air Hubs if Shutdown Persists
Transit Chief Sean Duffy has cautioned that a 10% decrease in air travel capacity will take effect at forty key US airports beginning this Friday, should the ongoing government shutdown continue.
“This is rare, similar to how the funding gap is atypical, just as the fact that our air traffic staff haven't been paid for a month is unusual,” stated FAA chief Bryan Bedford.
Amid the shutdown, which is now the most extended in US records, controllers have been required to remain on duty uncompensated, prompting some to call out sick or seek secondary employment.
Impacted Locations and Per-Day Travel Disruptions
The names of the impacted airports—each busy facilities—will be released on Thursday, officials said.
The flight reductions may impact between 3,500 and 4,000 flights daily.
Security Concerns and System Strains
“We are seeing strains build in a manner that we believe—without intervention—will enable us to continue assuring the public that we maintain the safest aviation network in the world,” the FAA chief commented.
Duffy emphasized that flying is still safe, and the choice to reduce flights was made to maintain both safety and efficiency.
Should the funding lapse continue and add more pressure to the system, additional limitations could become necessary, Bedford added.
Context on the Funding Gap
Once government funds were exhausted on 1 October, most federal workers were sent home and informed they would be paid when the funding resumed. Employees considered essential, like controllers, though, had to continue their duties without pay.
Almost immediately after the funding halt began, airports started experiencing the impact. Certain were forced to ground aircraft for hours after air traffic controllers took sick leave, while others relied on personnel from different airports.
Previous Warnings and Personnel Shortages
The Secretary had alerted recently that travel disruptions may be coming, as half of the country's 30 major airports experience staff shortages.
Duffy earlier stated that there is a danger linked to aviation staff pursuing additional jobs during the funding lapse, and had threatened to dismiss controllers who fail to report for duty.
“They have to choose, should I report for duty and not get a paycheque and not put food on the table? Or do I drive for Uber or DoorDash or wait tables?” Duffy remarked on a major network on the past Sunday.
