US cutting 10% of flights in ‘high-volume’ markets as shutdown drags on

The US Federal Aviation Administration said on Wednesday that it was taking the extraordinary step of reducing air traffic by 10 per cent across 40 “high-volume” markets beginning Friday morning to maintain travel safety as air traffic controllers exhibit signs of strain during the ongoing government shutdown.

The cutback stands to impact thousands of flights nationwide because the FAA directs more than 44,000 flights daily, including commercial passenger flights, cargo planes and private aircraft. The agency did not immediately identify which airports or cities would be affected but said the restrictions would remain in place as long as necessary.

“I’m not aware in my 35-year history in the aviation market where we’ve had a situation where we’re taking these kinds of measures,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said at a news conference.

Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since the shutdown began October 1, and most have been on duty six days a week while putting in mandatory overtime. With some calling out of work due to frustration, taking second jobs or not having money for child care or petrol, staffing shortages during some shifts have led to flight delays at a number of US airports.

Bedford, citing increased staffing pressures and voluntary safety reports from pilots indicating growing fatigue among air traffic controllers, said he and US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy did not want to wait until the situation reached a crisis point.