URGENT UPDATE: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed a 10% reduction in air traffic at 40 major airports starting this Friday, October 13, 2023. This drastic measure comes in response to escalating fatigue among air traffic controllers who have been working without pay since the government shutdown began on October 1.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford announced the cuts during a press conference on Wednesday, citing the strain on controllers who face mounting pressure and staffing shortages. The decision could impact between 3,500 and 4,000 flights daily, significantly disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers.
As the government shutdown enters its sixth week, the toll on air traffic controllers is alarming. Many have resorted to taking second jobs, while others are calling out sick due to burnout. The situation has reached a critical point, with controllers missing their second full paycheck next week.
Over the past weekend, air traffic control facilities reported the worst staffing shortages since the shutdown began. An analysis from the Associated Press revealed that at least 39 facilities indicated potential for limited staffing, a stark increase from the average of 8.3 facilities facing similar issues before the shutdown.
The FAA has already begun delaying flights at several busy airports due to these staffing shortages, particularly at major airline hubs such as Dallas, Houston, Newark, and Phoenix. The following airports will experience the 10% flight 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 navigate this challenging situation, passengers are urged to check flight statuses and prepare for potential delays. With the shutdown showing no signs of resolution, further developments are expected. Stay tuned for updates on how this crisis may impact travel plans nationwide.
