FAA Orders Flight Reductions at 40 Airports Amid Shutdown
FAA Orders Flight Reductions at 40 Airports Amid Shutdown
FAA imposes emergency flight cuts at 40 major airports as staffing strains during the shutdown prompt safety-focused action.
DALLAS — The Federal Aviation Administration issued an Emergency Order directing U.S. carriers to reduce scheduled domestic operations at 40 high-impact airports during the government shutdown, citing mounting strain on air-traffic controller staffing and rising system risk. The reductions are intended to keep the National Airspace System operating safely as staffing gaps and unpaid work continue to affect operations.
The plan sets initial cuts at 4% with the reductions gradually increasing to 10% by November 14, applying to flights between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. local time. The order does not mandate changes to international flights, and the FAA said it would adjust the levels based on safety data as it becomes available.
Officials described the move as a proactive safety measure, noting that controllers have continued to work without pay and that the NAS is under stress. The agency emphasized that safety data will guide future adjustments to the reduction levels.
While the list of airports was not fully named in the release, it includes major hubs such as Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, and all three New York-area airports—JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. The order underscores how the shutdown is reshaping airline operations and travel plans even as federal workers face furloughs. The aviation industry and travelers face delays and cancellations as the reductions take effect, highlighting the delicate balance between safety, staffing, and service during a government shutdown.
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