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Starting Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration will reduce flights by 10% at 40 major U.S. airports due to the ongoing government shutdown. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced this measure to address air traffic controller shortages and fatigue, as they have been working without pay since the shutdown began on October 1. The list of affected airports includes major hubs like Los Angeles International (LAX), New York LaGuardia, Chicago O'Hare, and Phoenix Sky Harbor.
According to Yahoo News, the reduction could impact thousands of flights nationwide, affecting both commercial and private air travel. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that the decision is a proactive step to maintain safety, citing increased fatigue among air traffic controllers and voluntary safety reports from pilots.
The FAA's decision comes amid staffing shortages, with approximately 2,000 fewer controllers than needed. KSTP News reported that the agency's cutback will affect passenger, cargo, and business aviation flights, as well as limit general aviation traffic in certain markets.
Airlines, including United, Southwest, and American, are working to minimize the impact on consumers by focusing cuts on regional routes and offering rescheduling or refunds. However, Flying Magazine noted that the sudden schedule changes could lead to chaos, as airlines have only 48 hours to adjust.
The FAA plans to lift restrictions once staffing and fatigue metrics improve, but until then, travelers are advised to stay updated on flight changes through airline apps and airport social media accounts. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions between the FAA and airline executives to manage the reductions effectively.
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