In a significant move, federal officials have announced a 10% reduction in air traffic across 40 high-volume markets starting this Friday. This decision comes in response to increasing staffing shortages caused by the ongoing government shutdown, which has now entered its 36th day. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator, Bryan Bedford, emphasized the necessity of this reduction during a press conference held on Wednesday, citing the need to alleviate pressure on air traffic controllers.
Bedford stated, "We have decided that a 10% reduction in scheduled capacity would be appropriate to continue to take the pressure off of our controllers." This measure aims to ensure that air travel remains safe as the demands on air traffic controllers increase during this unprecedented government shutdown. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy echoed these sentiments, highlighting the critical nature of the situation.
The specific 40 markets impacted by the capacity reduction will be disclosed on Thursday. These restrictions are expected to affect not only commercial air travel but also various activities, including space launches. A source provided CBS News with a preliminary list of affected markets, which includes major hubs like Boston Logan International, New York LaGuardia, Los Angeles International, and Dallas/Fort Worth International. However, it is important to note that this list is not final and may be subject to change.
Bedford highlighted that many air traffic controllers are exhibiting signs of fatigue as they continue to work without pay due to the congressional stalemate. Thursday marks one month since these controllers were last compensated for their work. This ongoing situation has prompted airlines, aviation unions, and the broader travel industry to urge Congress to take action to end the shutdown.
The impact of the shutdown has already been felt, with more than 10,000 flights experiencing delays over the weekend, and approximately 11,000 flights delayed this week, according to tracking service FlightAware. Before the shutdown, the U.S. was already struggling to recruit enough air traffic controllers, and Duffy mentioned that the country requires an additional 2,000 controllers to meet demand.
In light of these developments, Bedford and Duffy plan to consult with airline executives to discuss the safe implementation of the flight reduction. "The early indicators are telling us we can take action today to prevent things from deteriorating," Bedford stated. The cuts will likely be phased in, beginning Friday, as indicated by information from sources familiar with discussions held between the FAA, Department of Transportation (DOT), and airline representatives.
While the airlines have not yet received an official order from the FAA regarding the specifics of the capacity reduction, it is understood that they will need to lower their schedules by at least 4% on Friday, 5% on Saturday, and reach the full 10% reduction by the following week in the designated markets. This phased approach is being considered to avoid major disruptions for travelers, as reducing complex airline schedules on short notice could prove challenging.
As airlines navigate this unexpected development, there has been confusion regarding how the capacity reduction will be applied and whether it will be tied to actual staffing levels. Airline sources have expressed surprise at the decision and are currently working to formulate plans in response. In a statement, American Airlines confirmed that it would operate as scheduled on Thursday while awaiting further guidance from the FAA regarding which flights would be affected starting Friday. The airline anticipates that the vast majority of its customers' travel plans will remain unaffected.
As the situation continues to evolve, all eyes will remain on how these measures impact air travel and the necessary steps to ensure safety and efficiency in the skies.
