U.S. carriers faced a second day of FAA-ordered flight reductions on Saturday, with a 4% cut at 40 major airports and deeper curbs slated in the coming days as a record-length shutdown strains staffing across the aviation system.
U.S. airlines and travelers endured a second straight day of flight cuts on Saturday after the Federal Aviation Administration instructed carriers to trim 4% of flights at 40 major airports, with reductions set to rise to 6% on Tuesday and 10% by November 14. Reuters first reported the phased cuts, which the agency says are tied to staffing pressures during the shutdown. (reuters.com)
The FAA-directed reductions began at 6 a.m. ET on Friday and covered roughly 700 flights at the four largest U.S. carriers — American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines — according to Reuters. (reuters.com)
Airlines scheduled fewer cancellations Saturday given lower weekend traffic. United planned to cut 168 flights, down from 184 on Friday, while Southwest expected to cancel just under 100, compared with 120 the prior day, Reuters reported. (reuters.com)
The disruptions come amid what Reuters describes as a record 39-day government shutdown. About 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration screeners have been working without pay, contributing to higher absenteeism; many controllers were notified Thursday they will receive no compensation for a second consecutive pay period next week. (reuters.com)
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said earlier this week that 20% to 40% of controllers were not reporting for duty on a given day, underscoring the strain on the system. Bedford, a former Republic Airways chief executive confirmed as administrator in July, has faced mounting safety and staffing challenges since taking office. (reuters.com)
On Friday, controller absences prompted delays at airports including Atlanta, San Francisco, Houston, Phoenix, Washington, D.C., and Newark; more than 5,600 flights were delayed overall, Reuters reported. (dailywire.com)
The shutdown’s politics also loomed over the air travel crunch. The Trump administration has pressed congressional Democrats to accept a Republican funding plan to reopen the government, while Democrats blame Republicans for refusing to negotiate over health insurance subsidies. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said additional steps could be necessary if staffing deteriorates further. “I assess the data,” Duffy said. “We’re going to make decisions based on what we see in the airspace,” adding that cuts of up to 20% could be required if absenteeism grows. (reuters.com)
