Government shutdown will slow down air traffic at major US airports

"Air traffic in the United States will be reduced by 4% at 40 airports starting Friday due to a system overload caused by a surge in air traffic controller absences following the 36-day federal government shutdown. The flight reductions could steadily rise to reach 10% by November 14, according to government and air traffic officials. The flight restrictions will affect"

"some of the country's busiest airports, including those in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and Washington DC, according to a list shared by the Trump administration a few hours before the cuts were due to take effect. For now, international flights are exempt from the reductions. The limitations on air traffic are increasing pressure on Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill to negotiate an end to the shutdown."

"Many travelers on Thursday still did not know whether their flights would be canceled the next day, following the announcement of the cuts on Wednesday by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. The air traffic reduction will affect the 30 airports with the highest traffic volume in major metropolitan areas, what the FAA calls the Core 30 list. Additionally, a few midsize airports that deal mostly with commercial traffic, as well as some airfields that cater to private jets, will be affected."

Air traffic in the United States will be reduced by 4% at 40 airports starting Friday, with cuts scheduled to rise to 10% by November 14. The reductions respond to a system overload caused by a surge in air traffic controller absences after a 36-day federal government shutdown. The measures target the Core 30 busiest metropolitan airports and several midsize commercial and private-jet airfields. International flights are exempt. The limits increase pressure on Republicans and Democrats to end the shutdown. Many travelers remain unsure about cancellations. Major carriers must trim total seat capacity by about 6%, and the FAA estimates roughly 220 daily canceled flights.

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