FAA slowdown looms as three Bay Area airports chase better passenger numbers

"In changes that will affect two major airports in the region, FAA officials intend to reduce air traffic by 10% in the coming days at 40 high-traffic aviation hubs as a way to ensure safe operations due to air traffic controller staffing shortages. Reuters reported on Thursday that a 4% reduction was expected to begin Friday, increase to 5% on Saturday, 6% on Sunday, and then up to the 10% goal by sometime next week."

"In the Bay Area, the reduction could impact San Francisco International Airport and Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, according to multiple news organizations. The Federal Aviation Administration has not formally indicated whether Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport will be included among the airports that may experience passenger service cuts, said Kaley Skantz, a spokesperson for the East Bay aviation hub. Similarly, San Francisco International Airport was awaiting word of a potential reduction."

"Ultimately each airline will determine how to comply with the order, and we know they will make every effort to proactively notify their affected customers, San Francisco Airport spokesperson Doug Yakel said. The best advice for passengers is to contact their airline directly for information. San Jose Mineta International Airport wasn't on the list of possible aviation hubs that would be affected by the expected changes."

FAA will reduce air traffic by 10% at 40 high-traffic hubs to ensure safe operations amid air traffic controller staffing shortages. A phased slowdown will start with a 4% reduction Friday, rise to 5% Saturday, 6% Sunday, and reach 10% by next week. Bay Area reductions could affect San Francisco International Airport and Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, though Oakland inclusion remains unconfirmed by FAA. Airlines will determine compliance and are expected to notify affected passengers; passengers are advised to contact airlines directly for information. San Jose Mineta International Airport is not on the list and reports no disruptions so far. Some carriers have issued travel advisories and reported most flights will not be disrupted.

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