US Slashing Capacity by 10% at Multiple Airports
Ongoing Partial Government Shutdown Necessitates Move; Markets Affected to Be Released Nov. 6, and Changes Take Effect Nov. 7
Key Takeaways:
- The U.S. will cut flight capacity by 10% at 40 major markets starting Nov. 7 due to rising air traffic controller absences during the ongoing government shutdown.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the move is needed to maintain safety as millions of travelers face cancellations and delays amid staffing shortages.
- The FAA will announce affected markets Nov. 6 and may impose further restrictions if staffing or safety data worsen, officials said.
[Stay on top of transportation news: .]
The U.S. said it will cut flight capacity by 10% at 40 high-volume markets across the country, as travelers continue to face flight disruptions due to an uptick in air traffic controller absences during the government shutdown.
The changes will take effect Nov. 7, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said during a briefing alongside the leader of the Federal Aviation Administration, Bryan Bedford. The agency will release the markets impacted on Nov. 6.
“The data will dictate what we do,” Duffy said. “If the data goes in the wrong direction, could you see additional restrictions? Yes.”
RELATED: Duffy Warns of 'Mass Chaos' in Skies if Shutdown Continues
Duffy said the cuts were necessary to maintain air travel safety. Cuts to international flights hadn’t been discussed. Bedford added that he sees the FAA restricting space launches as well.
The FAA has beenforced to slow trafficat many airports in recent days due to rising controller staffing shortages since the government shutdown began Oct. 1. Air traffic controllers continue to work without pay.
Millions of passengers have grappled with flight cancellations and delays related to staffing since the shutdown started, trade groupAirlines for Americasaid.
Want more news? Listen to today's daily briefing belowor go here for more info:
