Transportation Chief Sean Duffy has cautioned that a ten percent decrease in air travel capacity will take effect at forty major US airports beginning this Friday, should the current government shutdown not end.
“It is unusual, just as the funding gap is atypical, just as the fact that our controllers haven't been paid for a month is unusual,” remarked FAA head Bryan Bedford.
During the funding impasse, which is now the longest in US history, controllers have been required to continue working uncompensated, prompting some to call out sick or take on side jobs.
Impacted Airports and Daily Flight Cancellations
The names of the affected airports—each busy facilities—will be released on the coming Thursday, authorities confirmed.
These cancellations could affect from 3,500 and 4,000 air travel services per day.
Safety Issues and Operational Strains
“We are seeing pressures build in a way that we believe—without intervention—will enable us to continue assuring the travelers that we maintain the most secure airline system in the globe,” the FAA chief commented.
The Transportation Secretary clarified that flying remains secure, and the choice to reduce flights was taken to maintain both security and operational effectiveness.
Should the shutdown persist and add more strain to the system, additional limitations could become necessary, he added.
Background on the Funding Gap
Once government funds ran out on 1 October, the majority of government employees were sent home and told they would be compensated once the funding resumed. Those deemed critical, such as controllers, however, had to continue their duties without pay.
Almost immediately after the funding halt started, airports started feeling the impact. Some had to halt aircraft for extended periods after staff took sick leave, while others relied on controllers from other airports.
Previous Alerts and Staff Gaps
The Secretary had alerted recently that flight cancellations were likely, as half of the country's 30 major airports experience personnel deficits.
He previously stated that there is a risk associated with aviation staff taking on additional jobs during the shutdown, and had threatened to dismiss employees who do not come to work.
“They have to choose, do I report for duty and not get a paycheque and not put food on the table? Or should I work for Uber or DoorDash or work in hospitality?” Duffy said on a major network on the past Sunday.
