US Government Shutdown Leads to Significant Air Traffic Reductions at Major Airports
The political crisis in the United States continues to impact the country’s air transport system.
Due to a prolonged government shutdown exceeding 36 days, US Transportation Secretary Shaun Duffy announced drastic measures.
He ordered a 10% reduction in flights across 40 major airports, citing rising air traffic management safety concerns.
These restrictions were emergency measures aimed at preventing accidents and reducing congestion amid the funding crisis caused by the ongoing shutdown.
As a result, thousands of flights have been canceled or cut back, prompting airlines to adjust their schedules within the first 36 hours following the directive.
Passengers flooded airline support hotlines seeking assistance.
Duffy indicated that these restrictions will be lifted only if Democrats agree to Republican terms regarding government funding restoration.
Meanwhile, the White House is increasing pressure on Democrats to end the shutdown, who accuse Republicans of obstructing negotiations on crucial healthcare subsidies.
It is expected that approximately 30 busiest airports, including those in New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Dallas, will be affected.
The shutdown has already caused the work stoppage of nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA employees, as well as hundreds of flights being canceled, signaling severe disruptions that threaten the stability of the US aviation system until political disagreements are resolved.