Government Shutdown Grounds 10% of US Flights Amid Ongoing Disruption

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced this week 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 begins on Friday morning and will impact roughly 3,500 to 4,000 flights daily. This decision comes as air traffic controllers are set to miss their first full paycheck, exacerbating concerns about flight delays and safety. According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, reducing the number of 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. "So we are going to proactively make decisions that keep the space, the airspace safe." The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford will be meeting with leaders in the airline community to craft a plan for moving forward with the reductions. The government shutdown, which is the longest in American history, has led to a significant strain on the nation's air travel system. With air traffic controllers facing financial uncertainty, the risk of flight delays and cancellations has increased. The FAA has been working to mitigate the effects of the shutdown, but the reduction in flights is seen as a necessary step to ensure safety. The impact of the government shutdown on air travel has been a growing concern for the airline industry. Flight delays and cancellations have already been reported, and the reduction in flights is expected to exacerbate these issues. According to the FAA, the agency will be working closely with airlines to minimize disruptions and ensure that passengers are informed about any changes to their flights. The reduction in flights is expected to have a significant impact on the airline industry, with many flights being canceled or delayed. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest information on flight schedules and to plan accordingly. The FAA has also set up a website to provide updates on flight delays and cancellations. As the government shutdown continues, the impact on air travel is likely to be felt for weeks to come. The FAA and the airline industry will be working closely together to minimize disruptions and ensure that passengers are safe. The reduction in flights is a necessary step to prevent potential issues, but it also highlights the need for a long-term solution to the government shutdown. The FAA will continue to work with the airline industry to monitor the situation and make adjustments as needed. In the meantime, passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest information on flight schedules and to plan accordingly. The government shutdown has highlighted the importance of a functioning air traffic control system, and the need for a long-term solution to prevent similar disruptions in the future.