FAA to Reduce Air Traffic by 10% Amid Shutdown Concerns
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Teh Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Wednesday it will reduce air traffic by approximately 10% at numerous airports nationwide, citing safety concerns stemming from the ongoing government shutdown and its impact on air traffic controller staffing. The reductions are intended to maintain safety levels despite a diminished workforce and potential for increased controller fatigue.
The move comes as the shutdown enters its third week, exacerbating existing issues within the FAA, including a longstanding staffing shortage, mandatory overtime, and stagnant wages. Several air traffic controllers recently told NPR that morale was already low before the shutdown, and has deteriorated further during the record-length impasse. Controllers requested anonymity, fearing reprisal from the FAA.
“I think we’re reaching a tipping point,” one Midwest-based controller handling high-altitude traffic told NPR. ”This is kind of about the point in the last shutdown where people just started getting fed up with it.”
The FAA’s decision could lead to widespread flight cancellations and delays. Secretary duffy acknowledged the potential for disruption, stating, “Our heart goes out to those who will have flights disrupted. This is what we feel like we have to do to make sure we maintain that safety profile.”
This isn’t the first time controller staffing has threatened air travel. During the 2018-2019 government shutdown, a limited number of controllers called in sick at key facilities, causing meaningful disruptions along the East Coast.
Aviation expert bedford, with 35 years of experience in the field, stated he could not recall a similar situation. “Then again, we’re in a new territory in terms of government shutdowns,” Bedford said. “And we look forward to a time when we can get back to business as usual.”
