The FAA on Friday will reduce flights by 10 percent in 40 ‘high-volume’ airports nationwide.
As the ongoing government shutdown nears its 38th day and overstressed air traffic controllers continue to work long hours with no pay, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reducing air travel at 40 major airports on Friday to ensure safety.
Pre-existing shortages in air traffic controllers, compounded by what is now the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, have led to tens of thousands of flight delays and cancellations since Oct. 1. The FAA implemented ground halts on Monday at airports in Dallas, Austin, Houston, and Washington as upward of 2,900 flights had been canceled or delayed.
Two days later, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said at a news conference that starting Friday, flights at 40 “high-volume” markets would see a reduction of 10 percent. Cities impacted include Atlanta, New York, Miami, Seattle, Los Angeles, Washington, Detroit, Chicago, Denver, Dallas, and Houston.
Bedford said the FAA was taking this unprecedented step to ensure safety as the government shutdown continues, and overworked air traffic controllers begin to show signs of fatigue.
The FAA released the emergency order on Thursday night, which remains in effect until the agency announces a cancellation.
“Be aware, plan for alternatives, and anticipate those delays, especially if you are planning to operate into one of those top 40 airports, you can anticipate a reduction in the normal arrival rate into that airport,” National Business Aviation Association Vice President Heidi Williams said in a webinar shortly after the FAA released the order. “The name of the game is planning ahead, being aware, and planning for alternatives.”
Here’s what to know about steps you can take if your flight is delayed or canceled while the government shutdown persists.
Look Up Delays Before Going to the Airport
During the shutdown, the FAA has reminded travelers to routinely check its webpage that monitors airports and provides status updates on the National Airspace System (NAS). The page shows active advisories, ground delays, ground stops, and airport closures. The FAA also has an Aviation Weather Center page that has a live map showing active weather advisories.
The flight tracking website FlightAware also lists live flight delays and cancellations at all airports and which airlines are impacted. The website also allows users to search for the flight number and select the “Where is my plane?” option to see if it is delayed or canceled.
It’s also important to stay up to date on the government shutdown and any potential negotiations between Republicans and Democrats in Congress, which may bring the funding lapse to an end.
By Jacob Burg
