Hundreds of US flights cancelled as regulator orders cuts to air traffic

"That number, already four times higher than Thursday's daily total of cancellations, was likely to keep climbing, while almost 500 have been cancelled for Saturday so far, according to the website. The FAA issued its order on Thursday in response to the growing number of absences by air traffic controllers amid the record-breaking US government shutdown, as Republicans and Democrats remain locked in a standoff in Congress over legislation to fund government services."

"US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the decision to cancel flights was a proactive safety decision rather than a political measure as the shutdown enters its 38th day on Friday. My department has many responsibilities, but our number one job is safety. This isn't about politics it's about assessing the data and alleviating building risk in the system as controllers continue to work without pay, Duffy said."

The Federal Aviation Administration temporarily cut air traffic by 10 percent at the nation's 40 largest airports to maintain safety amid a shortage of air traffic controllers caused by the government shutdown. Hundreds of flights were canceled, with more than 790 removed from Friday schedules and nearly 500 canceled for Saturday, according to FlightAware. Controllers have been working without pay, contributing to increased absences and reported strain in the system. The FAA cited thousands of recent delays and framed the reduction as a proactive safety measure to alleviate mounting operational risk.

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