The ongoing US government shutdown has begun to critically impact air travel, forcing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to mandate a reduction in air traffic at 40 of the nation's busiest airports.
The crisis stems from severe staffing shortages as essential air traffic controllers (ATCs) working without pay for over a month report fatigue, illness, and are forced to take second jobs.
On Friday, over 5,000 US flights were cancelled or delayed as the FAA's initial 4% cut to air traffic went into effect. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that these cuts could surge to 20% if the funding impasse continues. The President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association stated that controllers are being used as "political pawns," emphasizing their dedication to safety while calling on Congress to resolve the shutdown.
International flights have yet to be affected, but the situation is expected to escalate rapidly if Congress fails to act.
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