URGENT UPDATE: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has just announced a shocking 10% reduction in air traffic at 40 major airports, effective Friday, October 6, 2023. This drastic move comes as air traffic controllers face extreme fatigue, having worked without pay since the government shutdown began on October 1.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford confirmed that the cuts will impact approximately 3,500 to 4,000 flights daily, heightening travel disruptions across the nation. The agency has already experienced significant delays due to staffing shortages, which have intensified as controllers are forced to take on second jobs and call out sick amid the ongoing crisis.
The government shutdown is entering its sixth week, and air traffic controllers are feeling the strain. Many have reported working six days a week with mandatory overtime, as they prepare to miss their second full paycheck next Tuesday. Last weekend, staffing shortages reached alarming levels; at least 39 air traffic control facilities reported potential staffing issues, a stark increase from the usual average of 8.3 facilities.
The following airports will see immediate flight reductions starting Friday:
– Anchorage International (ANC)
– Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)
– Boston Logan International (BOS)
– Baltimore/Washington International (BWI)
– Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)
– Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG)
– Dallas Love Field (DAL)
– Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)
– Denver International (DEN)
– Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
– Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW)
– Newark Liberty International (EWR)
– Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International (FLL)
– Honolulu International (HNL)
– Houston Hobby Airport (HOU)
– Washington Dulles International (IAD)
– George Bush Houston Intercontinental (IAH)
– Indianapolis International (IND)
– New York John F. Kennedy International (JFK)
– Las Vegas McCarran International (LAS)
– Los Angeles International (LAX)
– New York LaGuardia (LGA)
– Orlando International (MCO)
– Chicago Midway (MDW)
– Memphis International (MEM)
– Miami International (MIA)
– Minneapolis/St. Paul International (MSP)
– Oakland International (OAK)
– Ontario International (ONT)
– Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)
– Portland International (PDX)
– Philadelphia International (PHL)
– Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)
– San Diego International (SAN)
– Louisville International (SDF)
– Seattle/Tacoma International (SEA)
– San Francisco International (SFO)
– Salt Lake City International (SLC)
– Teterboro Airport (TEB)
– Tampa International (TPA)
Developing reports indicate that this list may change as the FAA issues its final order. Major airline hubs including Dallas, Houston, Newark, and Phoenix are already grappling with the effects of staffing shortages and delayed flights. Travelers are urged to stay updated and check their flight status regularly to avoid further disruptions.
As the situation evolves, the impact on air travel is expected to escalate. Travelers and airport staff alike are feeling the pressure as they navigate this unprecedented crisis. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
