"The Federal Aviation Administration will reduce air traffic by 10% at many busy airports, the agency said Wednesday, in a move intended to keep the nation's airspace safe during the government shutdown. The FAA plans to reduce air traffic in 40 "high-volume markets" beginning on Friday. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford told reporters the agency wants to reduce the pressure at those airports before safety is compromised."
"The FAA has already been delaying flights at some airports because of widespread staffing shortages among air traffic controllers. The government shutdown, now in its sixth week, has taken a growing toll on those controllers, who are required to work without pay until it ends. Some have taken on second jobs, and many are calling out sick. Even before the shutdown, the system was more than 3,000 certified controllers short."
"Earlier this week, NPR spoke to several air traffic controllers who say morale at the agency was already low before the government shutdown, due to a longstanding staffing shortage across the system, mandatory overtime and stagnating wages. They said morale has fallen even lower during the longest government shutdown on record. They asked NPR not to use their names because they're afraid of retaliation from the FAA."
The Federal Aviation Administration will reduce air traffic by 10% at 40 high-volume markets beginning Friday. The action aims to relieve pressure at busy airports and protect safety as air traffic controller staffing deteriorates. The FAA has been delaying flights at some airports due to widespread controller shortages. The government shutdown has forced controllers to work without pay, prompting some to take second jobs and many to call out sick. The system lacked over 3,000 certified controllers even before the shutdown. FAA officials plan to coordinate with airline leaders on fair implementation. Major hub facilities showing persistent shortages include Dallas, Houston, Newark, and Phoenix.
Read at www.npr.org
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