Washington, D.C.: The United States will implement a 10 per cent reduction in flight operations at 40 major airports starting tomorrow, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced yesterday. The drastic measure is being taken to safeguard air travel amid mounting operational strain on air traffic control as the government shutdown enters its 36th day.
Described as a precautionary measure, the reduction is expected to impact approximately 3,500 to 4,000 flights daily, affecting both commercial and cargo operations. Officials have not yet specified which airports will be subject to the cuts, though further details are anticipated to be released later today.
The announcement follows a warning issued by Secretary Duffy just a day earlier, cautioning of potential chaos in the nation’s skies if the federal funding lapse persisted into the following week.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the step is deemed necessary to maintain essential safety standards. The ongoing government shutdown has resulted in severe staffing shortages, forcing thousands of federal employees—including air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners—to work without pay. This unpaid essential labor has raised concerns over fatigue and the ability of the system to manage regular traffic volumes safely.
The flight reduction is intended to ease the burden on understaffed control towers and screening checkpoints, aiming to mitigate potential risks associated with the extended operational disruption.
