US to cut flight operations by 10% as shutdown strains air travel

Washington: The US government will cut flight operations by 10 per cent at 40 major airports from Friday morning, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Wednesday, as the federal shutdown stretched into its 36th day, the longest in the country’s history.

The precautionary measure is expected to affect 3,500 to 4,000 flights daily, including both commercial and cargo services. Specific airports impacted will be disclosed on Thursday.

“This is proactive,” Duffy said, noting the decision has no fixed end date. “We thought 10 per cent was the right number based on the pressure we were seeing.”

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the move was necessary to uphold safety standards amid staffing shortages. Thousands of air traffic controllers and TSA screeners continue to work without pay, leading to signs of fatigue and operational strain.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford warned that unchecked pressure could compromise the integrity of the US aviation system. “We are seeing pressures build in a way that we don’t feel, if we allow it to go unchecked, will allow us to continue to tell the public that we operate the safest airline system in the world,” he said.

The 10 per cent cut marks an unprecedented step by the FAA during a government shutdown. Officials cautioned that the reduction could result in widespread delays and cancellations, especially during the upcoming Thanksgiving travel surge.

Airlines for America, representing major US carriers, said it is working with authorities to understand the mandate and minimise disruption to passengers and cargo.

Despite the cuts, the FAA confirmed that US airspace remains safe and fully operational. However, it warned that prolonged staffing shortages could prompt further restrictions.

Flight delays have already surged nationwide, with over 5,000 delays reported last Sunday alone.

(Inputs from IANS)