U.S. Air Traffic to Be Reduced by 10% Amid Staffing Shortages

Federal Announcement on Air Traffic Cuts

In a press conference held on Wednesday, federal officials announced that starting Friday, the United States will implement a 10% reduction in air traffic across 40 high-volume markets. This decision was made in response to ongoing staffing shortages attributed to the government shutdown, which has now stretched into its 36th day, marking the longest such period in U.S. history.

Bryan Bedford, the administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), stated, “We have decided that a 10% reduction in scheduled capacity would be appropriate to continue to take the pressure off of our controllers.” The specific markets impacted by the capacity cuts are expected to be detailed on Thursday.

Safety Measures in Air Travel

Both Bedford and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that these restrictions are necessary to maintain the safety of air travel amid growing concerns over air traffic controller fatigue. These controllers are currently working unpaid due to their classification as essential workers during the congressional impasse.

Bedford assured the public, “The nation’s aviation system remains safe,” but acknowledged the increasing stress on air traffic controllers. Delays have been widespread, with tracking servstart FlightAware reporting over 10,000 flight delays within the U.S. last weekend, and approximately 11,000 delays reported this week.

Recruitment Efforts Amid Controller Shortages

During the press conference, Secretary Duffy noted that the Transportation Department had been actively working to recruit new air traffic controllers prior to the shutdown, highlighting a current shortage of at least 2,000 controllers.

As flight operations are adjusted to address these staffing challenges, many travelers are already feeling the impact. With anticipated delays and reduced schedules, passengers are advised to check with airlines for updates on their flights.

For those planning travel, consider booking accommodations to ensure a smooth journey. Book hotels here.

The federal measures aim to alleviate the pressures faced by air traffic controllers while ensuring that air travel remains secure and operational as the country navigates the challenges of the ongoing government shutdown.