Flight cuts amid shutdown could threaten supply chain, holiday deliveries

The Brief

The Federal Aviation Administration’s reduction in flight capacity could strain the supply chain and package shipping as the holiday season approaches.

Here’s what to know, and what some experts are saying:

Flight cancellations

The backstory:

The FAA announced a 10% reduction in flight capacity across 40 major U.S. airports last week to help relieve the pressure and workload on FAA employees who aren’t getting paid amid the shutdown, which has become the longest in U.S. history.

Big picture view:

A reduction in flight capacity could strain air cargo as the holiday season approaches. FedEx and UPS have major hubs at affected airports, including Indianapolis, Memphis, and Louisville.

FAA reduces air traffic by 10% at 40 airports - See the list

MD-11 planes grounded

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