The United States is to reduce the number of flights at its 40 largest airports by 10% due to air traffic safety concerns caused by the protracted government shutdown.
According to Reuters, the decision was announced by US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. The restrictions will affect major airports serving New York, Washington, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Dallas.
According to preliminary estimates, the cuts will affect about 1,800 flights and more than 268,000 passenger seats. International flights will remain unaffected for the time being.
The record-breaking 36-day shutdown has become the longest in US history, with more than 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA employees working without pay. This has already delayed tens of thousands of flights, and more than 3.2 million passengers have been affected.
Mr. Duffy said the restrictions could be lifted once the government reopens. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warns that if the staffing situation does not improve, more flight cuts are possible.
Airlines are calling on the authorities to end the shutdown as soon as possible, emphasizing that the ongoing crisis poses a risk to flight safety.
Recall that the Speaker of the US House of Representatives warned that the current shutdown could become the longest in history.
Who we are: About us, Contacts. How we write news and our principles: Editorial code. We did our best. If you found this valuable – please support us.
To request a correction, please send an email.