The U.S. government has instructed airlines to reduce domestic flights by up to 10% at 40 major airports as the federal shutdown enters its 36th day. The decision comes amid growing safety concerns as thousands of air traffic controllers and airport security staff continue working without pay.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the Federal Aviation Administration will begin by cutting flights by 4% this week, increasing to 10% next week. The move is described as temporary, but officials say it is necessary to prevent risks caused by staffing shortages and fatigue.
The shutdown has resulted in more than 13,000 air traffic controllers and over 50,000 Transportation Security Administration workers operating without pay, leading to rising absentee rates and strain across the aviation system.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the goal is to maintain safety standards while managing limited staffing. He emphasized that the U.S. airspace system is still safe but requires adjustments to avoid operational breakdowns.
International flights will not be affected for now. Most of the reductions will impact domestic routes, especially regional and less-busy airport connections.
Airlines are now working to reorganize their schedules. United Airlines said major long-distance routes will remain the same, and passengers can request refunds if they no longer wish to fly. American Airlines and Southwest Airlines also stated they are reviewing schedules and informing travelers about possible changes.
Industry analysts estimate that the temporary cuts could cancel up to 1,800 flights nationwide, affecting millions of passengers. Key airports in New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Dallas are expected to experience the most disruption.
The ongoing shutdown has also affected other federal services and left more than 750,000 government employees without pay. The political deadlock in Congress continues, with Republicans and Democrats unable to reach an agreement on funding legislation.
If the shutdown continues beyond the current week, officials warn of further operational strain and additional travel delays across the country.
