RDU Travelers Brace for Potential Flight Disruptions as FAA Announces Capacity Reduction
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) passengers expressed concern Wednesday as the Federal Aviation Management (FAA) and Transportation secretary Sean Duffy announced a planned reduction in flight capacity at major airports nationwide,set to go into effect Friday morning. While RDU itself is not currently listed among the impacted airports, travelers worry about potential ripple effects during the busy holiday weekend.
The FAA’s decision, impacting 40 of the country’s busiest airports including Charlotte Douglas International Airport, comes amid ongoing staffing pressures stemming from the partial government shutdown. Air traffic controllers and other Department of Transportation employees have been working without paychecks for over twelve days, contributing to increased delays and cancellations nationwide. The capacity reduction aims to mitigate further disruptions, potentially cutting thousands of flights daily, but leaves passengers facing uncertainty.
“It’s going to be crazy,” said Zenith Ortego, a traveler at RDU who was already experiencing flight delays. “just makes me feel awful because those are things that are out of those people’s control.”
According to Secretary Duffy,the staffing shortages are directly impacting airspace management. “We’ve had more delays. We’ve had more cancellations, we do not want to see disruptions,” he stated. Airlines for America, the industry trade association, confirmed they are working with the federal government to understand the details of the decision.
Passengers like Jimmy Dykes voiced frustration with the situation. “I think it’s terrible,” he said, adding, “I’m hoping that they’ll come to grips with how the American people are suffering.”
The FAA is expected to announce the specific airports affected Thursday. travelers are advised to check with their airlines for updates on flight schedules.
