FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford warns that the widespread absence of air traffic controllers during the government shutdown is already causing major flight delays and could get worse as Thanksgiving approaches.
Airlines said Wednesday they are working to limit disruptions for travelers after federal officials announced new restrictions on air travel related to the ongoing government shutdown.
The Federal Aviation Administration said it will reduce air traffic by 10% in 40 high-volume markets to maintain safety amid the shutdown and ongoing air traffic control staff shortages.
This move could eliminate thousands of flights per day as long as the shutdown continues.
FLIGHT DELAYS WORSE AS UNPAID AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER FEEL PAIN FROM GOVERNMENT LOCKOUT
“I’m not aware in my 35-year history in the aviation market that we’ve had a situation where we’re taking this type of action,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said at a news conference alongside Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Air traffic controllers have been working without pay since the shutdown began over a month ago, with many logging six-day weeks and mandatory overtime. Some have started calling due to financial strains, leading to flight delays at major airports.
Bedford said he and Duffy have now taken action to prevent the situation from worsening.
“We are not going to wait for a safety problem to materialize when the early indicators tell us that we can take action today to prevent the situation from worsening,” said Bedford. “The system is extremely safe today and will be extremely safe tomorrow. If the pressure continues to increase even after we take these measures, we will come back and take additional measures.”
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER MAKE DESPERATE PLEASE AS FAMILIES FAIL WITHOUT PAYMENTS
Thousands of flights a day are expected to be canceled. (J. David Aké/Getty Images/Getty Images)
United, Southwest and American Airlines each said they will work to reduce the impact on passengers as schedules are shortened.
In a letter to employees, United CEO Scott Kirby said the airline will cut back on regional routes and non-hub flights and offer refunds to customers who choose not to travel during this period — even if their flight is not canceled.
“United’s long-haul international flights and our hub-to-hub flights will not be affected by this direction of reduction in the FAA’s schedule,” Kirby said. “This is important to maintain the integrity of our network, give affected customers as many options as possible to resume their travel and maintain our crew matching systems.”
An American Airlines plane approaches Miami International Airport for landing in Miami, Florida. (Ronen Tivony/NurPhoto via Getty Images / Getty Images)
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American said it expects “the vast majority of customer trips will proceed as planned,” and that it will proactively notify affected passengers if schedules change.
“As always, we encourage everyone to check their flight status,” the airline said.
