UPDATE: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will implement a 10% reduction in air traffic at 40 major airports starting this Friday, as air traffic controllers face severe fatigue from working unpaid since the government shutdown began on October 1, 2023. In a critical announcement made by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford on Wednesday, this significant cut is expected to disrupt approximately 3,500 to 4,000 flights daily.
The ongoing government shutdown, now in its sixth week, has forced air traffic controllers to work extended hours without pay. Many have resorted to taking second jobs, while an alarming number are calling in sick due to burnout. This week, controllers will miss their second paycheck, intensifying concerns about staffing levels and safety in the air.
Throughout the weekend, the FAA reported a staggering increase in staffing shortages at control facilities. An Associated Press analysis revealed that at least 39 air traffic control facilities reported potential staffing limitations, significantly above the pre-shutdown average of 8.3 facilities for weekends.
In light of these developments, the FAA has already begun delaying flights at several busy airports across the nation. The following locations will see immediate flight reductions starting Friday, and this list may change as the FAA finalizes details:
– 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)
The FAA’s decision underscores the mounting pressure on air traffic control systems amid staffing shortages. Travelers should anticipate delays and check with their airlines for the latest updates on their flights.
As this story develops, officials are expected to provide further updates regarding the impact of these reductions on travel and air safety. Stay tuned for real-time updates and essential information that matters to your travel plans.
