Flight Cuts Continue Amid Staffing Concerns
The Federal Aviation Administration has confirmed that the 6 percent reduction in flights across the United States will remain in effect until airports achieve normal staffing levels following the recent government shutdown. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the decision, emphasising that safety remains the top priority for American travellers.
The flight cuts affect all air traffic entering, exiting, and travelling within the United States, implemented due to critical shortages of air traffic controllers during the shutdown period. Originally introduced last week, there were concerns the reductions could increase to 8 percent and eventually reach 10 percent before improvements were seen.
Staffing Improvements Offer Hope
Recent data shows promising signs of recovery in controller attendance. According to an official statement, controller callouts have dramatically decreased from a high of 81 on November 8 to just eleven on Tuesday, November 11, and further down to four on the day of the announcement.
"Such strong staffing levels suggest a further ramp-up in-flight reductions are not necessary to keep the traveling public safe," the FAA statement confirmed. "As the federal government reopens and controllers receive their backpay, the FAA will continue to monitor staffing levels and review key trend lines."
Secretary Duffy reinforced this position, stating: "The data is going to guide what we do because the safety of the American people comes first. If the FAA safety team determines the trend lines are moving in the right direction, we'll put forward a path to resume normal operations."
Thanksgiving Travel Concerns Addressed
Despite the ongoing restrictions, Duffy has provided reassurance to travellers concerned about potential disruption during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday period. Speaking on NewsMax's Finnerty show, he indicated that normal operations should resume approximately one week before significant Thanksgiving travel begins, assuming current positive trends continue.
The flight reductions particularly impact 40 "high-impact" airports across the nation, including major hubs such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Reagan Washington National, New York John F. Kennedy International, and Los Angeles International.
FAA administrator Bryan Bedford confirmed that the federal agency will "continue to monitor system performance hour by hour" to ensure passenger safety while working toward restoring full flight schedules.
The government shutdown has caused substantial disruption to air travel throughout October and November. FlightAware data reveals that 2,769 flights experienced delays yesterday alone, with 910 cancellations entirely. Sunday marked the most challenging day for air travel during the shutdown, with approximately 11,000 delays and nearly 3,000 cancellations recorded.
Many of these disruptions stem from air traffic controller shortages, as staff were forced to work without pay throughout the month-long government closure. Numerous controllers reportedly took second jobs to manage financial pressures during this period.
In response to these challenges, President Trump has proposed a $10,000 bonus for air traffic controllers who continued working during the shutdown, though he acknowledged uncertainty about the funding source during an appearance on The Ingraham Angle. "I don't know. I'll get it from someplace... I always get the money from someplace regardless, it doesn't matter," the President stated after being questioned about the bonus funding.
