FAA to Cut Air Traffic 10% at Major Airports Amid Shutdown

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced plans to reduce air traffic by 10% at dozens of busy airports across the United States. This measure is being implemented in response to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, a problem exacerbated by the ongoing partial government shutdown. The shutdown, which was in its 35th day at the time of the announcement, has led to thousands of air traffic controllers, aviation safety inspectors, and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers working without pay.

Air Traffic Reduction Amid Shutdown

The FAA’s decision comes as major airports, including LaGuardia in New York and Newark Liberty International in New Jersey, have already experienced significant flight delays. These delays prompted concerns that the air traffic system was under strain due to the reduced workforce. The agency’s plan aims to mitigate potential risks and operational challenges arising from the controller shortage. While controllers are deemed essential workers and required to report, the lack of pay and the prolonged shutdown have raised questions about morale and the long-term sustainability of current operations.

Staffing Concerns and System Strain

The issue of controller shortages predates the current government shutdown. The FAA has been working to address a long-standing deficit in its air traffic controller workforce. The article highlights a decline in the number of certified controllers nationwide, which has been an ongoing challenge for years. For instance, the number of certified controllers at LaGuardia and Newark airports decreased from 293 in 2017 to 269 in 2018. Nationally, the number of certified controllers was less than 10,500 at the end of fiscal year 2018, a drop from 11,750 in 2012. The shutdown has further compounded this problem by halting controller training programs, routine equipment maintenance, and the hiring of support staff, preventing new controllers from entering the system.

Impact on Air Travel

Airlines are being asked to voluntarily cut their schedules by 10% at affected airports. This reduction is intended to ease the burden on the air traffic control system, which has been operating with a reduced number of staff. The move is expected to cause disruptions for travelers through flight cancellations and fewer available flights. Officials are concerned that the ongoing controller shortage, compounded by the shutdown, could begin to create safety issues if not addressed. The measures taken by the FAA underscore the broader impact of the government shutdown on critical national infrastructure and services, affecting both the industry and millions of travelers.

Key Points

• 10%: Planned reduction in air traffic at dozens of busy airports.
• 35th day: Duration of the government shutdown at the time of the article.
• 800,000: Number of federal workers affected by the shutdown.
• Thousands: Number of air traffic controllers, aviation safety inspectors, and TSA officers working without pay.
• 293: Number of certified air traffic controllers at LaGuardia and Newark airports in 2017.
• 269: Number of certified air traffic controllers at LaGuardia and Newark airports in 2018.
• Less than 10,500: Number of certified controllers nationwide at the end of fiscal year 2018.
• 11,750: Number of certified controllers nationwide in 2012.
• 7.5%: Decrease in controllers at LaGuardia and Newark from 2017 to 2018.
• About 10%: Decrease in controllers nationwide since 2012.

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