The United States is set to reduce flights by up to 10% at 40 major airports starting this Friday if the government shutdown persists, Transport Secretary Sean Duffy has warned. This comes amid growing concerns about fatigue among air traffic controllers, who have worked without pay since the shutdown began on October 1.
“It is unusual, just as the shutdown is unusual, just as the fact that our controllers haven’t been paid for a month is unusual,” FAA chief Bryan Bedford said.
The phased flight cuts will begin with a 4% reduction on Friday, rising to 10% by next week, affecting between 3,500 and 4,000 flights daily.
Duffy stressed that air travel remains safe, and the cancellations aim to protect safety and efficiency.
“We are seeing pressures build in a way that we don’t feel—if we allow it to go unchecked—will allow us to continue to tell the public that we operate the safest airline system in the world,” Bedford added.
Major carriers like American Airlines and Southwest are monitoring the situation and expect minimal disruption for most passengers. Southwest urged Congress to resolve the shutdown promptly, stating, “We continue to urge Congress to immediately resolve its impasse and restore the National Airspace System to its full capacity.”
The shutdown has forced controllers to choose between working without pay or taking other jobs. Duffy noted, “They have to make a decision, do I go to work and not get a paycheque and not put food on the table? Or do I drive for Uber or DoorDash or wait tables?”
Controllers’ absences have already led to flight delays and staff reallocations, further challenging airport operations during a busy travel period.
With half of the country’s largest airports affected by staff shortages, the aviation sector faces mounting pressure unless funding is restored soon.