American Government Alerts of Flight Reductions at Forty Airports if Shutdown Continues
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a warning that a 10% decrease in flight availability will begin at forty key US airports beginning Friday morning, if the ongoing government shutdown not end.
“It is unusual, just as the shutdown is atypical, just as the fact that our air traffic staff haven't been paid for a month is exceptional,” remarked FAA head Bryan Bedford.
During the shutdown, which is now the most extended in US records, controllers have been obligated to remain on duty without pay, leading some to call out sick or take on secondary employment.
Impacted Airports and Daily Flight Disruptions
The identities of the impacted airports—all busy locations—will be announced on Thursday, authorities said.
The cancellations may impact between 3,500 and 4,000 air travel services daily.
Security Issues and System Strains
“We are seeing strains accumulate in a way that we believe—if we allow it to go unchecked—will allow us to continue assuring the public that we operate the safest aviation network in the globe,” Bedford stated.
Duffy emphasized that flying is still safe, and the decision to reduce air services was taken to uphold both safety and efficiency.
Should the funding lapse continue and add additional strain to the system, additional restrictive measures could become necessary, he noted.
Background on the Shutdown
Once government funds were exhausted on 1 October, the majority of federal workers were furloughed and informed they would be compensated once the funding resumed. Employees considered essential, such as controllers, though, had to continue their duties without pay.
Shortly after the shutdown started, travel hubs started feeling the effects. Certain had to ground flights for extended periods after air traffic controllers took sick leave, while some locations depended on controllers from different airports.
Earlier Alerts and Staff Gaps
The Secretary had alerted earlier this week that travel disruptions were likely, as 50% of the country's 30 primary airports face personnel deficits.
Duffy previously mentioned that there is a risk linked to air traffic controllers taking on additional jobs amid the shutdown, and had threatened to dismiss employees who fail to report for duty.
“They must choose, do I report for duty and work unpaid and not put food on the table? Or else should I work for Uber or DoorDash or work in hospitality?” the Secretary said on ABC on Sunday.