(USA, 9th) The ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown continues to impact the country, with nationwide flight reductions now in the second day. As of Saturday (November 8th), a total of 1,460 flights across the United States were canceled. The aviation industry anticipates that as the shutdown persists, cancellations and delays will further worsen.
According to Reuters, due to a severe shortage of air traffic controllers who have not received pay for an extended period, safety risks have emerged. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) previously ordered, starting Friday (the 7th), a daily 4% reduction in flights at 40 major airports nationwide. This reduction will increase to 6% by next Tuesday (the 11th), with plans to expand to 10% by November 14th.
On Saturday, the FAA stated that 37 airports and control centers have already been affected by staff shortages, resulting in flight delays in at least 12 major U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Newark, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York. At Atlanta airport, one of the busiest hubs in the U.S., the average flight delay on Saturday exceeded 280 minutes.
Data show that around 6,000 flights nationwide were delayed on Saturday, while Friday saw 7,000 delays and 1,025 cancellations. The current round of flight reductions primarily affects the four major U.S. airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, with about 700 flights impacted each day.
This government shutdown, now in its 39th day, has forced about 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 security staff to work without pay, with absenteeism rates continuing to rise. Many controllers were told on Thursday (the 6th) that they would go without pay for a second consecutive pay period next week.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford revealed earlier this week that over the past few days, 20% to 40% of air traffic controllers have failed to report for duty.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford revealed earlier this week that over the past few days, 20% to 40% of air traffic controllers have failed to report for duty.