Shutdown crisis grounds thousands of flights across America

International

AMERICA’S skies are bracing for turbulence, not from weather but from Washington.

With the U.S. government shutdown dragging on, the Federal Aviation Administration plans to cut up to 10 percent of domestic flights at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, threatening thousands of cancellations in the coming days.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the reductions Thursday, saying the move was necessary to maintain safety as unpaid air traffic controllers report fatigue. “Our number one job is safety. This isn’t about politics – it’s about assessing the data and alleviating building risk in the system as controllers continue to work without pay,” Duffy said in a BBC report.

The cuts will affect major hubs in Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Washington, and Los Angeles. The FAA expects between 3,500 and 4,000 domestic flights per day to be canceled, though international routes will continue operating.

Officials said the reductions will start with a 4 percent drop in flights on Friday, increasing gradually to 10 percent by Nov. 14.

The decision comes as roughly 1.4 million federal workers remain unpaid or on furlough because Congress has failed to agree on a funding bill.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford called the reductions unusual and said the agency had little choice given the strain on controllers, who have now gone a month without pay.

Union leaders said employees are exhausted and financially stretched, with some unable to cover transportation costs to get to work.

Nick Daniels, president of the union representing more than 20,000 aviation workers, said many controllers no longer have the stability their jobs require and are struggling to stay focused under pressure.

Airlines are preparing for the disruption. American Airlines said most passengers would not be affected but is waiting for more details from the FAA.

Delta Air Lines said it would operate most flights as planned and is allowing customers to change or cancel tickets without penalties. Budget carrier Frontier Airlines advised travelers to book alternate flights as a precaution.

Some controllers have taken second jobs to make ends meet, raising further safety concerns. One worker wrote that he delivers food after his shifts and sleeps only a few hours each night.

As delays spread and pressure builds on Congress, officials say keeping passengers safe remains their sole priority.(MyTVCebu)