Transit Secretary Sean Duffy issued a warning that a 10% decrease in flight availability will begin at 40 key US airports starting Friday morning, should the current federal funding lapse not end.
“This is rare, just as the shutdown is unusual, and the fact that our controllers haven't been paid for a 30-day period is unusual,” stated FAA head Bryan Bedford.
During the shutdown, which is now the most extended in US history, air traffic personnel have been obligated to continue working without pay, leading some to call out sick or take on side jobs.
Affected Airports and Daily Travel Disruptions
The identities of the affected airports—each busy locations—will be announced on Thursday, officials said.
These cancellations could affect from 3,500 and 4,000 air travel services daily.
Security Issues and Operational Strains
“There are pressures build in a manner that we believe—if we allow it to go unchecked—will allow us to continue assuring the travelers that we operate the safest aviation network in the globe,” the FAA chief stated.
The Transportation Secretary clarified that flying is still safe, and the decision to cancel flights was made to maintain both security and efficiency.
Should the shutdown persist and introduce more strain to the aviation network, further limitations could become necessary, he noted.
Context on the Funding Gap
After government funds ran out on 1 October, most federal workers were furloughed and informed they would be paid when the government reopened. Employees considered critical, like air traffic staff, though, had to continue their jobs without pay.
Almost immediately after the funding halt started, travel hubs began experiencing the impact. Some were forced to halt aircraft for extended periods after staff called out sick, while some locations depended on controllers from other airports.
Previous Warnings and Personnel Shortages
Duffy had alerted earlier this week that flight cancellations were likely, as 50% of the country's thirty major airports face personnel deficits.
He previously mentioned that there is a risk linked to air traffic controllers pursuing side work amid the shutdown, and had warned to dismiss employees who fail to report for duty.
“Controllers must choose, should I go to work and work unpaid and not put food on the table? Or else should I drive for Uber or DoorDash or wait tables?” the Secretary said on ABC on the past Sunday.
