URGENT UPDATE: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a substantial 10% reduction in air traffic at 40 major airports starting this Friday, October 6, 2023. This drastic measure comes as air traffic controllers face unprecedented fatigue and stress from working unpaid during the ongoing government shutdown, which has now entered its sixth week.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford revealed the cuts during a press briefing, confirming that the disruptions will impact approximately 3,500 to 4,000 flights daily. The FAA has already been delaying flights at various airports due to severe staffing shortages, making this situation even more critical for travelers.
This decision comes as controllers, who are required to work without pay since the shutdown began on October 1, face mounting pressure. Many are taking on second jobs to make ends meet, while others are calling in sick. Controllers are currently working six days a week, often with mandatory overtime, and will miss their second full paycheck next Tuesday.
Last weekend, the situation intensified, with at least 39 air traffic control facilities reporting limited staffing capabilities, a stark increase compared to the average of just 8.3 facilities affected during weekends before the shutdown. Airports such as Dallas, Houston, Newark, and Phoenix have been particularly hard-hit by these staffing shortages.
The following airports will see reductions starting this Friday:
Anchorage International (ANC), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), Boston Logan International (BOS), Baltimore/Washington International (BWI), Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG), Dallas Love Field (DAL), Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), Denver International (DEN), Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW), Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW), Newark Liberty International (EWR), Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International (FLL), Honolulu International (HNL), Houston Hobby Airport (HOU), Washington Dulles International (IAD), George Bush Houston Intercontinental (IAH), Indianapolis International (IND), New York John F. Kennedy International (JFK), Las Vegas McCarran International (LAS), Los Angeles International (LAX), New York LaGuardia (LGA), Orlando International (MCO), Chicago Midway (MDW), Memphis International (MEM), Miami International (MIA), Minneapolis/St. Paul International (MSP), Oakland International (OAK), Ontario International (ONT), Chicago O’Hare International (ORD), Portland International (PDX), Philadelphia International (PHL), Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), San Diego International (SAN), Louisville International (SDF), Seattle/Tacoma International (SEA), San Francisco International (SFO), Salt Lake City International (SLC), Teterboro Airport (TEB), Tampa International (TPA).
As the FAA continues to monitor the situation, this list of affected airports may change. Travelers are advised to stay informed and check their flight status frequently.
WHAT’S NEXT: With the government shutdown showing no signs of resolution, the impact on air travel is expected to escalate. Travelers should prepare for potential delays and cancellations and remain updated on FAA announcements.
This developing situation underscores the urgent need for a resolution to the government shutdown, as it directly affects the safety and efficiency of air travel across the nation.
