URGENT UPDATE: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has just announced a 10% reduction in air traffic at 40 major airports starting this Friday, October 6, due to severe staffing shortages linked to the ongoing government shutdown. This drastic measure is expected to impact 3,500 to 4,000 flights daily, causing significant disruptions for travelers nationwide.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford revealed the cuts during a press briefing on Wednesday afternoon. The FAA cited increasing fatigue among air traffic controllers, many of whom have been working without pay since the shutdown began on October 1. The agency has already experienced delays at various airports, and this latest action underscores the growing crisis in air traffic management.
Controllers are facing unprecedented challenges, with many taking second jobs to make ends meet and a rising number calling in sick. This weekend alone, staffing shortages peaked, with 39 air traffic control facilities reporting limited staffing—far exceeding the average 8.3 facilities affected during weekends prior to the shutdown.
The following airports will experience the 10% flight reductions starting Friday:
– Anchorage International (ANC)
– Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)
– Boston Logan International (BOS)
– Baltimore/Washington International (BWI)
– Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)
– Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG)
– Dallas Love Field (DAL)
– Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)
– Denver International (DEN)
– Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
– Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW)
– Newark Liberty International (EWR)
– Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International (FLL)
– Honolulu International (HNL)
– Houston Hobby Airport (HOU)
– Washington Dulles International (IAD)
– George Bush Houston Intercontinental (IAH)
– Indianapolis International (IND)
– New York John F. Kennedy International (JFK)
– Las Vegas McCarran International (LAS)
– Los Angeles International (LAX)
– New York LaGuardia (LGA)
– Orlando International (MCO)
– Chicago Midway (MDW)
– Memphis International (MEM)
– Miami International (MIA)
– Minneapolis/St. Paul International (MSP)
– Oakland International (OAK)
– Ontario International (ONT)
– Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)
– Portland International (PDX)
– Philadelphia International (PHL)
– Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)
– San Diego International (SAN)
– Louisville International (SDF)
– Seattle/Tacoma International (SEA)
– San Francisco International (SFO)
– Salt Lake City International (SLC)
– Teterboro Airport (TEB)
– Tampa International (TPA)
These cuts come as controllers prepare to miss their second full paycheck next Tuesday. The growing fatigue and stress among air traffic controllers pose risks not only to their well-being but also to the safety and efficiency of air travel across the country.
As the government shutdown extends into its sixth week, travelers should prepare for potential delays and cancellations. The FAA has indicated this list could change as they monitor the situation closely.
WHAT’S NEXT: Travelers are urged to check with their airlines for the latest updates and to stay informed about potential changes in flight schedules. The situation remains fluid, and further announcements from the FAA are anticipated in the coming days.
This urgent situation highlights the pressing need for a resolution to the government shutdown, as the effects ripple through the aviation industry and impact millions of passengers.
