FAA Cut Traffic by 10% Between Closures; Airlines are working to limit the impact
FAA administrator Bryan Bedford warns that the Workerrerprer Controller Introller at the government stage is already causing serious flight delays and not as much as ways to thank.
Airlines said on Wednesday they were working to minimize disruption to travelers after announcing new restrictions on air travel tied to the government’s ongoing air shutdown.
The Federal Aviation Administration said it will reduce air traffic by 10% in all 40 High-Volumus markets to maintain safety amid the shutdown and ongoing air traffic control shortages.
A source told FOX Business The reduction will start at 4% on Friday and gradually increase to 10% next week, where they will remain “until the FAA feels comfortable with the safety standards.”
Traffic could displace thousands of flights each day as long as the shutdown continues.
Flight delays worsen as illegal traffic controllers feel the pain of the government shutdown
The airline’s decline will start at 4% on Friday and gradually increase until it hits 10% next week. (FOX News / Fox News)
“I don’t know in my 35-year history in the airline industry where we’ve had a situation where we’ve taken these types of actions,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said at a news conference.
Air traffic controllers have been working without pay since the shutdown began more than a month ago, ushering in weeks of layoffs and overtime for enforcement. Some have started calling for financial reasons, leading to delays in flights at major airports.
Bedford said he and Duffy are working now to prevent the situation from escalating.
“We can’t wait for a security crisis to prove ourselves when the early indications tell us that we can take action today to prevent things from collapsing,” said Umbede. “The system is very safe today and will be very safe tomorrow. If the pressures continue to build even after we take these measures, we will come back and take other measures.”
Air traffic controllers are issuing tough demands as families struggle without payment
Thousands of flights a day are expected to be cut. (J. David Ake / Getty Images / Getty Images)
United, Southwest and American Airlines have each said they will work to minimize the impact on passengers as schedules are reduced.
In a letter to staff, United CEO Scott Kirby said the airline will focus on regional routes and non-HUB flights and offer refunds to customers who choose not to travel during this time — even if their flight is canceled.
“United’s Haul International Flying and Hub-to-Hub Flying will not be affected by this Plan reduction guidance from the FAA,” Kirby said. “That’s important to maintain the integrity of our network, give influential customers as many options as possible to continue their journey, and support our hand-pairing programs.”
An American Airlines flight approaches Miami International Airport to land in Miami, Florida. (Ronen Tivony / Nurphoto via Getty Images / Getty Images)
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American said it expects “most customer flights will continue as scheduled,” and that it will proactively notify affected passengers as schedules change.
“As always, we encourage everyone to check their flight status,” the airline said.
