Potential Flight Reductions Loom as US Government Shutdown Continues

Fri Dec 05 2025 05:57:34 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Transportation Secretary warns of a significant cut in air traffic capacity at major US airports due to ongoing government shutdown.

As the US government shutdown reaches unprecedented lengths, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announces a possible 10% reduction in air travel capacity across 40 major airports. This measure is prompted by concerns over air traffic controller fatigue, as many essential workers continue to work without pay. The gradual flight reductions will begin Friday, affecting thousands of flights daily, unless the shutdown is resolved promptly.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that there will be a 10% reduction in air travel capacity at 40 major airports in the US starting Friday morning, due to the ongoing government shutdown.

The decision stemmed from reports of fatigue among air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay throughout the longest federal shutdown in US history. Bryan Bedford, head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), remarked on the unusual circumstances created by the shutdown and pointed to controller staffing problems.

It is unusual, just as the shutdown is unusual, just as the fact that our controllers haven't been paid for a month is unusual, Bedford noted during a briefing with Duffy.

As controllers continue to work unpaid, some have called out sick or taken on additional jobs, resulting in staffing shortages that have directly impacted flight operations.

The reduction in flights will take effect gradually, starting with a decrease of 4% of domestic flights on Friday, eventually reaching a full 10% by the following week. This could potentially lead to between 3,500 and 4,000 flight cancellations per day.

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 explained.

Duffy emphasized the commitment to maintaining safety and efficiency during air travel operations, assuring that the cancellations are precautionary.

As the situation continues, airlines like Southwest Airlines are still evaluating the impact of these restrictions on their services, while Delta Airlines has declined to comment further.

With federal funds having run out on October 1, most federal workers were furloughed, but essential staff, such as air traffic controllers, have remained on duty with no pay, leading to concerns about their ability to perform their duties safely.

The aviation union has also expressed alarm, with leaders noting financial strain among controllers and an uncertain work environment. Nick Daniels of the labor union stated, Air traffic controllers are texting 'I don't even have enough money to put gas in my car to come to work.'

The situation underscores the pressing need for Congress to resolve the shutdown and restore full operational capacity to the National Airspace System.'