Government Shutdown Grounds 3,500 Daily Flights at 40 Major Airports

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Tuesday that the federal government will be reducing the total number of flights by 10 percent at 40 major airports due to the ongoing government shutdown. The move, which begins on Friday morning, will impact roughly 3,500 to 4,000 flights daily. This decision was made in an effort to mitigate potential flight delays and ensure the safety of air travel. According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the reduction in flights is a proactive measure to prevent potential issues. "We don't want the horse out of the barn and then to look back and say there were issues we could have taken that we didn't," Duffy said in a news conference. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford added that the FAA will be meeting with leaders in the airline community to craft a plan for moving forward with the reductions. "As we slice the data more granularly, we are seeing pressures build in a way that we don't feel comfortable with," Bedford said. The government shutdown, which is the longest in American history, has been ongoing since October 1. The shutdown has resulted in Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford having to make difficult decisions to ensure the safety of air travel. The reduction in flights is a significant move, as it will impact the daily operations of airlines and airports across the country. The airline industry has been bracing for the potential impact of the government shutdown on air travel. "Flight delays could get worse as the US government shutdown continues and air traffic controllers miss their first full paycheck," said a recent podcast discussing the issue. The podcast highlighted the potential consequences of the shutdown on air travel, including increased flight delays and cancellations. The current status of the government shutdown and its impact on air travel is uncertain. The Transportation Department and FAA are working to minimize the effects of the shutdown on air travel, but the situation remains fluid. As the shutdown continues, it is likely that the situation will become more complex, and the impact on air travel will become more pronounced. In the coming days, the Transportation Department and FAA will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as necessary. The airline industry will also be working to mitigate the effects of the shutdown on air travel. As the situation develops, it is likely that more information will become available, and the impact of the shutdown on air travel will become clearer.