Reuters: Major US airports cut flights amid government shutdown

The United States will reduce the number of flights by 10% across its 40 largest airports.

US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced the new flight regulations, explaining that they were introduced due to the threat to air traffic safety caused by the record 36-day government shutdown, Caliber.Az reports, citing Reuters.

The reductions will affect major airports serving New York, Washington, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Dallas.

Analysts estimate that up to 1,800 flights and more than 268,000 passenger seats could be impacted, while international routes will remain unchanged for now.

The government shutdown — the longest in US history — has left 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees working without pay.

As a result, tens of thousands of flights have already been delayed, and more than 3.2 million passengers have faced disruptions due to staffing shortages.

The transportation secretary emphasised that the reductions could be reversed if Democrats agree to reopen the government.

Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned of potential additional flight restrictions if air traffic issues intensify. Airlines are urging an end to the shutdown, citing serious risks to passenger safety.

The outlet noted that on November 5, more than 2,100 flights were delayed, while several air traffic controllers failed to report to work, further increasing the burden on those remaining.

The government shutdown, which started on October 1 after Congress failed to approve a budget for the new fiscal year, has forced about 1.4 million federal employees to either take unpaid leave or continue working without pay.

President Donald Trump has placed the blame on Democrats, stating that he intends to use the standoff to implement significant staff reductions and cut what he describes as “unnecessary” government programs.

By Jeyhun Aghazada