The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will implement phased flight reductions at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports starting Friday, November 7, due to an ongoing government shutdown that has left air traffic controllers unpaid. The reductions begin with a 4% cut on Friday, followed by 5% on Saturday and 6% on Sunday, with a full 10% reduction expected next week.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that the cuts are necessary to maintain safety, as mounting pressures make it difficult to operate “the safest airline system in the world.” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasised that the move is meant to reduce strain on air traffic controllers missing their second paycheck since the shutdown began 36 days ago.
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Major airports likely affected include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), John F. Kennedy (JFK), Denver (DEN), San Francisco (SFO), Miami (MIA), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and Boston Logan (BOS), among others. Airlines have begun adjusting schedules and offering refunds to passengers.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said the carrier will focus reductions on regional and domestic non-hub flights, sparing long-haul international routes. Customers with impacted or even unaffected flights are eligible for refunds, including those with non-refundable tickets. American Airlines and Southwest Airlines are also reviewing their schedules and communicating with passengers.
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The flight reductions come amid broader concerns about safety and operational challenges at high-volume airports while the government shutdown continues, leaving federal employees without pay.