Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a warning that a ten percent decrease in flight availability will begin at 40 major US airports starting Friday morning, if the ongoing federal funding lapse not end.
“This is unusual, similar to how the shutdown is atypical, just as the fact that our air traffic staff are working unpaid for a 30-day period is unusual,” remarked FAA chief Bryan Bedford.
Amid the funding impasse, which is now the most extended in US records, controllers have been obligated to remain on duty without pay, leading some to call out sick or seek side jobs.
Affected Locations and Daily Flight Disruptions
The names of the impacted airports—each busy locations—will be announced on Thursday, authorities confirmed.
These flight reductions could affect from 3,500 and 4,000 air travel services daily.
Safety Concerns and Operational Pressures
“We are seeing pressures build in a manner that we don't feel—without intervention—will enable us to continue assuring the public that we maintain the safest airline system in the world,” the FAA chief commented.
Duffy emphasized that air travel is still safe, and the decision to reduce air services was taken to uphold both safety and efficiency.
Should the shutdown continue and introduce more strain to the aviation network, additional restrictive measures may be required, he added.
Context on the Shutdown
Once federal money were exhausted on 1 October, most federal workers were furloughed and told they would be paid once the government reopened. Employees considered critical, such as controllers, though, had to keep doing their duties unpaid.
Almost immediately after the funding halt began, travel hubs began feeling the impact. Some were forced to ground aircraft for hours after air traffic controllers called out sick, while some locations relied on controllers from different airports.
Previous Warnings and Staff Gaps
The Secretary had warned recently that flight cancellations were likely, as 50% of the country's 30 major airports experience staff shortages.
He previously stated that there is a risk associated with aviation staff pursuing side work during the shutdown, and had warned to fire employees who do not come to work.
“They have to choose, should I go to work and not get a paycheque and struggle to provide? Or should I drive for Uber or DoorDash or wait tables?” the Secretary said on ABC on Sunday.
