WASHINGTON D.C. – In a significant move to address mounting pressures on air traffic controllers, the U.S. Transportation Department announced Wednesday that it will implement a 10% reduction in air traffic at 40 high-volume markets across the nation, beginning Friday. This measure comes as the federal government shutdown, now in its 36th day, continues to impact the pay and staffing levels of essential personnel, including air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration officers.
The decision, outlined by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, is intended to alleviate stress on air traffic controllers who have been working without pay. Secretary Duffy emphasized that the primary goal is to ensure the continued safety of the U.S. airspace, even as the shutdown creates unprecedented challenges. "We had a gut check of what is our job," Duffy stated, underscoring the department's commitment to maintaining the safest airline system in the world.
Federal officials have cited increasing reports of fatigue among air traffic controllers as a key concern driving this decision. Administrator Bedford noted that while the aviation system remains safe, the FAA is proactively taking steps to prevent potential deterioration due to staffing pressures. "We can't ignore it," Bedford said, explaining that the agency is acting before a crisis point is reached. The FAA plans to meet with airline executives to discuss the implementation of these flight reductions, with specific markets to be announced on Thursday.
The ongoing government shutdown has already led to widespread flight delays and cancellations, affecting millions of passengers. Over the past weekend, more than 10,000 flights experienced delays, with approximately 11,000 more facing disruptions this week, according to FlightAware. The FAA has also been attempting to mitigate staffing shortages by offering bonuses to retiring controllers and increasing recruitment efforts at its academy.
This unprecedented reduction in air traffic is expected to impact cargo operations as well as commercial travel, potentially disrupting plans for millions of passengers, especially as the busy Thanksgiving travel period approaches. Airlines for America, a trade group representing major U.S. carriers, stated they are working with the government to understand the new mandate and "strive to mitigate impacts to passengers and shippers." The FAA has warned that further restrictions could be implemented if air traffic issues persist.
