URGENT UPDATE: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has just announced a significant reduction in air traffic, cutting 10% of flights at 40 major airports starting Friday, October 6, 2023. This drastic measure responds to severe staffing shortages and increasing fatigue among air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay since the government shutdown began on October 1.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford revealed the cuts on Wednesday afternoon, impacting approximately 3,500 to 4,000 flights daily. This comes as air traffic controllers face unprecedented challenges, with many taking on second jobs and reporting sick due to the ongoing crisis. Controllers are missing their second paycheck next Tuesday, intensifying the urgency of the situation.
Earlier this week, from Friday to Sunday, at least 39 air traffic control facilities reported potential staffing limitations, a stark contrast to the typical 8.3 facilities facing similar issues before the shutdown. Major airline hubs, including Dallas, Houston, Newark, and Phoenix, are particularly affected, leading to significant delays and cancellations.
The FAA’s announcement raises concerns for travelers as the agency has already been struggling with staffing shortages at several of the nation’s busiest airports. The full list of affected airports includes:
- Anchorage International (ANC)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)
- Boston Logan International (BOS)
- Baltimore/Washington International (BWI)
- Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG)
- Dallas Love Field (DAL)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)
- Denver International (DEN)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW)
- Newark Liberty International (EWR)
- Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International (FLL)
- Honolulu International (HNL)
- Houston Hobby Airport (HOU)
- Washington Dulles International (IAD)
- George Bush Houston Intercontinental (IAH)
- Indianapolis International (IND)
- New York John F. Kennedy International (JFK)
- Las Vegas McCarran International (LAS)
- Los Angeles International (LAX)
- New York LaGuardia (LGA)
- Orlando International (MCO)
- Chicago Midway (MDW)
- Memphis International (MEM)
- Miami International (MIA)
- Minneapolis/St. Paul International (MSP)
- Oakland International (OAK)
- Ontario International (ONT)
- Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)
- Portland International (PDX)
- Philadelphia International (PHL)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)
- San Diego International (SAN)
- Louisville International (SDF)
- Seattle/Tacoma International (SEA)
- San Francisco International (SFO)
- Salt Lake City International (SLC)
- Teterboro Airport (TEB)
- Tampa International (TPA)
This list may change as the FAA has yet to issue its final order, but travelers should prepare for significant disruptions. The situation is developing, and the impact on air travel is likely to escalate as controllers continue to face unprecedented stress and fatigue.
As the shutdown enters its sixth week, travelers and airlines alike are urged to stay informed about updates from the FAA. The emotional toll on air traffic controllers is palpable, and their calls for fair compensation and better working conditions are becoming increasingly urgent.
For those planning to fly in the coming days, it is crucial to monitor flight status and be prepared for potential delays and cancellations. Further announcements are expected as the FAA navigates this challenging period.
