The United States Department of Transportation announced a reduction of airspace capacity by 10% across 40 markets should the shutdown not come to an end by Friday.
As air traffic controllers continue to go unpaid, pressures have continued to rise as they work longer hours and control centers remain understaffed, forcing lengthy delays across the country. This reduction in flights hopes to ease the pressure on controllers as the nation hits its 36th day of its government shutdown.
“There is going to be a 10% reduction in capacity at 40 of our locations,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy during a Wednesday press conference. “This is about where the pressure is, and how do we alleviate the pressure.”
Over 17,000 flights within, to, or from the United States have experienced delays so far this week, according to FlightAware.
Callouts surged going into last weekend, according to the FAA. Half of its Core 30 facilities had been experiencing staffing shortages, while the administration saw 80% of its New York-area controllers absent.
“We are starting to see evidence that fatigue is building in the system, and we feel we need to work towards relieving some of that pressure,” said Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted that controllers have been forced to look for alternate jobs as they need to put food on the table and gas to drive to work.
Officials will consult and work with airlines on Wednesday evening to discuss the cuts in flights. More information regarding the 40 markets to be affected will be shared on Thursday.
Featured image by the author.
