American Federal Alerts of Air Travel Reductions at 40 Air Hubs if Shutdown Continues

Transit Chief Sean Duffy has cautioned that a 10% reduction in flight availability will begin at 40 major US airports beginning this Friday, should the ongoing federal funding lapse continue.

“It is rare, similar to how the shutdown is unusual, just as the reality that our controllers haven't been paid for a month is unusual,” stated FAA chief Bryan Bedford.

During the shutdown, which is now the longest in US history, controllers have been required to remain on duty without pay, leading some to take sick leave or seek side jobs.

Affected Airports and Per-Day Flight Cancellations

The names of the affected airports—each high-traffic locations—will be released on Thursday, officials said.

The flight reductions may impact between 3,500 and 4,000 flights per day.

Security Concerns and Operational Pressures

“We are seeing strains accumulate in a way that we believe—if we allow it to go unchecked—will allow us to continue telling the travelers that we maintain the most secure airline system in the world,” Bedford commented.

The Transportation Secretary emphasized that flying remains safe, and the decision to reduce flights was made to uphold both safety and efficiency.

Should the funding lapse continue and add more pressure to the system, further limitations could become necessary, Bedford noted.

Background on the Shutdown

Once federal money ran out on 1 October, the majority of federal workers were sent home and informed they would be paid once the funding resumed. Those considered critical, like controllers, though, had to keep doing their jobs unpaid.

Shortly after the funding halt started, airports started experiencing the effects. Certain had to halt aircraft for extended periods after staff called out sick, while some locations relied on personnel from other airports.

Earlier Warnings and Personnel Shortages

Duffy had warned recently that travel disruptions were likely, as half of the nation's thirty primary airports experience personnel deficits.

Duffy earlier stated that there is a danger linked to air traffic controllers taking on additional jobs during the shutdown, and had warned to fire employees who do not come to work.

“Controllers have to make a decision, should I go to work and work unpaid and not put food on the table? Or else do I work for Uber or DoorDash or work in hospitality?” Duffy said on a major network on the past Sunday.