FAA reducing air traffic by 10% across 40 'high-volume' markets during government shutdown

"Flights Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since the shutdown began Oct. 1, and most have been on duty six days a week while putting in mandatory overtime. WASHINGTON (AP) - The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday that it was taking the extraordinary step of reducing air traffic by 10% across 40 "high-volume" markets beginning Friday morning to maintain travel safety as air traffic controllers exhibit signs of strain during the ongoing government shutdown."

"Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since the shutdown began Oct. 1, and most have been on duty six days a week while putting in mandatory overtime. With some calling out of work due to frustration, taking second jobs or not having money for child care or gas, staffing shortages during some shifts have led to flight delays at a number of U.S. airports."

"Bedford, citing increased staffing pressures and voluntary safety reports from pilots indicating growing fatigue among air traffic controllers, said he and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy did not want to wait until the situation reached a crisis point. "We're not going to wait for a safety problem to truly manifest itself when the early indicators are telling us we can take action today to prevent things from deteriorating," Bedford said. "The system is extremely safe today and will be extremely safe tomorrow."

The FAA will reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 high-volume markets to maintain travel safety amid controller strain. The agency directs more than 44,000 flights daily, including commercial, cargo, and private aircraft, and the restrictions will remain in place as long as necessary. Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since Oct. 1 and have been on duty six days a week with mandatory overtime. Staffing shortages from callouts, second jobs, and financial hardship have contributed to flight delays. Voluntary safety reports from pilots indicate growing controller fatigue. The reductions aim to prevent safety deterioration before a crisis occurs.

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