US Plans 10% Flight Cuts at 40 Airports Amid Shutdown
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced plans to reduce flights by up to 10 per cent at 40 major U.S. airports if the ongoing government shutdown continues. Sean Duffy, the U.S. Transportation Secretary, said the cuts would begin this Friday and be phased in gradually, starting at 4 per cent and reaching 10 per cent by next week. The reduction is aimed at relieving pressure on air traffic control towers, where many staff are working without pay during the shutdown.
Affected Airports and Public Impact
Although the full list of impacted airports has not yet been published, officials say the reductions will likely affect the 30 busiest hubs — including airports serving New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Dallas. The cuts will apply to domestic passenger, private-plane and cargo flights, while international routes are initially exempt. Aviation analytics firm Cirium estimates the move could eliminate around 1,800 flights and more than 268,000 seats.
Safety and Staffing Concerns
The decision reflects mounting safety concerns as about 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration agents continue working unpaid. The FAA is already short by roughly 3,500 controllers even before the shutdown. Officials emphasise the measure is about preventing safety risks and systemic failure, not about limiting travel per se.
Outlook and Political Pressure
The move puts significant pressure on legislators amid the longest U.S. government shutdown on record. Airlines have begun adjusting schedules and informing passengers of increased disruption risk ahead of the holiday travel season. Transportation Secretary Duffy warned that further curtailments or even partial air-space closures could follow if no resolution is reached quickly.
