The FAA Reduces Air Traffic Amidst Shutdown Concerns
Washington – To ensure safety during the ongoing government shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a 10% reduction in air traffic across 40 major markets, beginning Friday.
This decision comes as air traffic controllers continue to work without pay, leading to staffing concerns and potential safety risks. The FAA oversees over 44,000 flights daily, so this reduction will likely impact many travelers.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, emphasized the agency’s commitment to safety, stating they would not wait for a crisis to act. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy plans to meet with airline executives to discuss implementing the changes safely.
Southwest Airlines has said that they are looking at how this change will affect them and will be contacting customers whose plans may be changed. The airline also urged Congress to resolve the shutdown quickly.
The FAA often adjusts flights due to weather or staffing issues. A recent analysis showed a significant increase in potential staffing issues at air traffic control facilities since the shutdown began.
Secretary Duffy warned that prolonged shutdown could lead to chaos in the skies, especially if air traffic controllers miss another paycheck. He said the FAA is taking a proactive approach to prevent any potential disasters.
