Airports in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago are among the 40 airports nationwide that will experience reduced flights due to the government shutdown starting Friday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a 10% reduction in air traffic across 40 key markets to ensure travel safety as air traffic controllers face challenges during the ongoing shutdown.
These flight cuts will impact busy airports in cities such as Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Orlando, Miami, and San Francisco, with multiple airports in cities like New York, Houston, and Chicago being affected. The FAA is implementing these reductions to alleviate the strain on air traffic controllers who are working without pay amidst the shutdown, leading to an increase in absences.
Controllers, who have missed one paycheck already and are expecting another missed payment next week, are under financial pressure as the shutdown prolongs. Airlines like United have stated they will focus on reducing flights on smaller regional routes using aircraft like 737s to minimize the impact on travelers. Passengers will be notified about cancellations, and airlines are offering refunds to those who choose not to fly during this period.
Experts anticipate a significant number of flight cancellations, potentially affecting up to 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats. FAA officials acknowledge the unprecedented nature of these measures due to the shutdown’s impact on air travel operations. The affected airports include major hubs across the U.S., with controllers working overtime without pay since the shutdown began on October 1.
Efforts are being made to reassure travelers amid the disruptions, with major airlines like United, Southwest, and American striving to mitigate the effects on passengers. The travel industry, aviation unions, and airline executives are urging Congress to end the shutdown, which has become the longest in U.S. history. The FAA is working with airlines to implement these changes safely, emphasizing the need for stable staffing before resuming normal operations.