WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a 10% reduction in flights at 40 major airports nationwide amid growing safety concerns tied to the record-breaking 36-day government shutdown. The move, prompted by air traffic control staffing shortages, sent airlines rushing to adjust schedules within just 36 hours, while passengers flooded customer service lines for updates.
Duffy said the cuts could be reversed if Democrats agreed to reopen the government, as the shutdown continued to leave thousands of federal aviation and security workers unpaid. The Trump administration has used the growing disruption in air travel to pressure Democrats to end the standoff, while Democrats blamed Republicans for refusing to negotiate over key health-care subsidies.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the flight reductions would start gradually, from 4% this week to 10% next week, to ease the strain on air traffic controllers, who have been working long hours under mounting stress. The cuts are expected to affect major hubs such as New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Dallas. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the decision was driven by safety assessments warning of increased risk to operations, noting that the agency could impose additional restrictions if conditions worsen.
Airlines began outlining their strategies in response to the cuts. United Airlines said it would protect long-haul international and hub-to-hub flights while scaling back regional and domestic routes, offering full refunds to any customers unwilling to travel. American Airlines indicated minimal disruptions for most passengers, while Southwest Airlines said it was evaluating the impact and urged lawmakers to end the funding impasse.
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