WASHINGTON, D.C. (KFGO/AP) – Federal officials are set to reduce the number of flights in U.S. airspace Friday morning due to staffing shortages caused by the federal government shutdown.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford says unless a deal is reached to end the shutdown, the agency will cut air traffic by 10% at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports. The move is intended to keep the air space safe during the shutdown.
Experts predict hundreds if not thousands of flights could be canceled. The cuts could represent as many as 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats combined, according to an estimate by aviation analytics firm Cirium.
“I’m not aware in my 35-year history in the aviation market where we’ve had a situation where we’re taking these kinds of measures,” Bedford said Wednesday. “We’re in new territory in terms of government shutdowns.”
Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since the shutdown began Oct. 1. Most work mandatory overtime six days a week, leaving little time for side jobs to help cover bills and other expenses unless they call out.
Mounting staffing pressures are forcing the agency to act, Bedford said Wednesday at a news conference.
“We can’t ignore it,” he said, adding that even if the shutdown ends before Friday, the FAA wouldn’t automatically resume normal operations until staffing improves and stabilizes.
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) says it’s aware of the FAA’s plans but has not received specific information about how Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) might be affected.
Travelers are advised to check directly with their airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules.
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