Administration Cuts Back US Air Travel as Shutdown Drags On

As the historic federal government shutdown approaches day 38, US skies is about to get somewhat quieter. The same cannot be said for US terminals.

Precautionary Steps Enacted

The federal air traffic agency has said flights are being reduced to ensure air traffic control operational integrity during the federal government shutdown, now the longest recorded and with little indication of a agreement between GOP lawmakers and Democratic representatives to end the federal budget deadlock.

Aviation authorities identified “high-volume markets” where the FAA says air traffic must be reduced by 4% by 6am ET on Friday, a step requiring airlines to call off thousands of journeys and cause a series of scheduling problems and hold-ups at major US air terminals.

Official Statement

The federal transportation leader, Sean Duffy, wrote on online platforms Thursday that the decision was “not politically driven” but rather “about assessing the data and alleviating building risk in the system as controllers continue working without pay”.

“Air travel remains secure today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the proactive actions we are taking,” the official added.

Airline Cutbacks

Experts predict numerous potentially thousands of flights might be called off. The flight decreases might account for approximately 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats total, according to an calculation by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Affected Airports

The involved terminals covering numerous states include the busiest ones across the US – featuring Georgia's capital, Charlotte, DEN, DFW, MCO, Los Angeles, MIA and San Francisco. Within major metropolitan areas – such as New York, Texas city and Illinois hub – several air terminals will be involved.

Each of the three air terminals serving the Washington DC area – Washington Dulles international, BWI Airport and DCA – will be affected, certainly generating flight disruptions for elected representatives as well as other travelers.

Related Updates

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