UPDATE: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has just announced a significant reduction in air traffic, cutting services by 10% at 40 busy airports starting this Friday. This drastic measure comes in response to increasing fatigue among air traffic controllers who have been working unpaid since the government shutdown began on October 1, 2023.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford confirmed the cuts Wednesday afternoon, warning that the change will impact approximately 3,500 to 4,000 flights daily. The shutdown, which is now in its sixth week, has exacerbated existing staffing shortages, pushing controllers to their limits as many are forced to take on second jobs or call in sick due to exhaustion.
Air traffic controllers have been under immense pressure, often working six days a week with mandatory overtime, and will miss their second full paycheck next Tuesday. Last weekend, staffing levels reached a crisis point, with at least 39 air traffic control facilities reporting limited staffing, significantly higher than the average of 8.3 facilities for weekends prior to the shutdown.
The following airports will experience 10% flight reductions beginning Friday, according to multiple reports. This list could change as the FAA has not yet issued its final order:
– 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 has been grappling with persistent staffing shortages at major hubs, including Dallas, Houston, Newark, and Phoenix. With air travel demand on the rise, these reductions are poised to disrupt travel plans for thousands of passengers.
As the situation develops, travelers are advised to stay informed about their flight statuses and potential delays. The impact of these FAA service cuts could be felt nationwide, making it crucial for passengers to prepare for a challenging travel environment in the coming days.
Next Steps: Watch for updates from the FAA regarding any changes to the list of affected airports and ongoing developments related to the government shutdown. The situation remains fluid, and further announcements are anticipated as officials seek to address these critical staffing shortages.
