FAA to cut flights at 40 major airports as shutdown stress rises

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Wednesday that it will proactively reduce air traffic at dozens of major U.S. airports as early as Friday if the ongoing government shutdown is not resolved. The cuts are a direct response to the increasing staffing shortages of air traffic controllers caused by the shutdown.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that 10% of air traffic would be cut at approximately 40 high-volume airports, potentially impacting thousands of flights. The specific airports and schedule details will be finalized in meetings with airlines on Wednesday night.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford called the new plan “prescriptive” and “surgical,” emphasizing the need to maintain air safety.

The flight reductions come as air traffic contr