Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced a potential 10% reduction in air travel capacity at 40 major airports across the United States due to the ongoing government shutdown, which has now reached a historic length. This decision reflects growing concerns over air traffic safety, as many controllers have reported severe fatigue from working without pay for an extended period.
At a briefing held on Wednesday, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Bryan Bedford, expressed the unusual nature of the current situation, highlighting that air traffic controllers—approximately 13,000 of whom are working without pay—have started calling in sick or seeking secondary employment. As a result, the FAA will begin implementing gradual flight cancellations: starting with a 4% reduction on Friday, increasing to 10% by next week.
The FAA is expected to release details on the specific high-traffic airports affected by these cancellations. The significant reduction in capacity could result in between 3,500 and 4,000 flight cancellations each day. Duffy reassured the public that air travel remains safe, stating that these measures are necessary to ensure the continued safety and efficiency of the airline system.
Airlines are currently assessing the impact on their schedules. American Airlines, the second-largest carrier in North America, stated it is awaiting further guidance from the FAA before determining which flights will be impacted, although it anticipates that most passenger travel will remain uninterrupted. Similarly, Southwest Airlines is evaluating how these restrictions will affect its services, committing to inform customers as soon as possible.
This situation has been unfolding against the backdrop of rising fatigue and stress among controllers, with many expressing financial stress as they continue to work without pay. Nick Daniels, president of the labor union representing aviation workers, conveyed the gravity of the circumstances by relaying controllers’ messages about their struggles to cover essential expenses like gas to commute to work.
Additionally, the ongoing government shutdown has led to record staffing shortages at airports, with reports indicating that over half of the country’s 30 major airports are experiencing significant controller absences. Duffy has alluded to the possibility of further measures if the shutdown persists, emphasizing the need for Congress to address the funding impasse.
The aviation industry has faced mounting pressures since the beginning of the shutdown, leading to increased delays and cancellations. Notably, in a previous shutdown in 2019, airlines also experienced considerable disruptions due to similar staffing challenges. The current uncertainty poses additional risks as the holiday travel season approaches, raising alarms among industry executives about potential impacts on travel bookings.
Despite these challenges, there is hope that negotiations in Congress will yield a resolution, allowing for a return to normal operations and ensuring the safety and stability at critical points in the aviation system. The FAA and Transportation Department will continue to prioritize safety as they navigate this turbulent period.