FAA shutdown row: Which airports are affected after big decision? 40 cities on the list
FAA shutdown row: The Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday announced that it will reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 ‘high volume’ markets
FAA shutdown row: The Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday announced that it will reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 ‘high volume’ markets starting Friday. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said that the decision has been made to maintain safety during the ongoing government shutdown.
The agency further noted that it is tackling staffing shortages caused by air traffic controllers, who are working unpaid, with some calling out of work during the shutdown.
Some cities have already seen delays and cancellations. On Tuesday, more than 2,900 flights were delayed as the FAA imposed delays in Phoenix and Houston. Denver, Detroit, and New York City were among the cities hit by staffing issues. Flight Aware's 'Misery Map' tracks delays and cancellations.
“This is proactive,” Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said in a news conference.
Bedford said additional measures could be taken after the initial reduction.
“As we slice the data more granularly, we are seeing pressures build in a way that we don’t feel if we allow it to go unchecked will allow us to continue to tell the public that we operate the safest airline system in the world."
Bedford said the agency would not for a crisis to act, citing growing staffing pressures caused by the shutdown.
“We can’t ignore it,” he said. “The early indicators are telling us we can take action today to prevent things from deteriorating.”
Both Bedford and Duffy declined at a news conference Wednesday to name the affected markets until they speak with the airlines first. Bedford said a list would be released Thursday.
“If the pressures continue to build even after we take these measures," he said, "we’ll come back and take additional measures.”
Earlier this week, Duffy warned there could be chaos in the skies next week if the shutdown drags on long enough to keep air traffic controllers from getting their next paychecks on Tuesday.
Most controllers have continued to work mandatory overtime six days a week during the shutdown, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association has said. That leaves little time for a side job to help cover bills, mortgage payments and other expenses unless controllers call out.
Full list of airports that will see cuts (per ABC News)
Anchorage International
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
Boston Logan International
Baltimore/Washington International
Charlotte Douglas International
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International
Dallas Love
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Denver International
Dallas/Fort Worth International
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
Newark Liberty International
Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International
Honolulu International
Houston Hobby
Washington Dulles International
George Bush Houston Intercontinental
Indianapolis International
1New York John F Kennedy International
Las Vegas McCarran International
Los Angeles International
New York LaGuardia
Orlando International
Chicago Midway
Memphis International
Miami International
Minneapolis/St Paul International
Oakland International
Ontario International
Chicago O`Hare International
Portland International
Philadelphia International
Phoenix Sky Harbor International
San Diego International
Louisville International
Seattle/Tacoma International
San Francisco International
Salt Lake City International
Teterboro
Tampa International
(With AP inputs)
