Key Takeaways
- Over 1,400 flights cancelled for second consecutive day
- FAA mandates 4-10% flight reductions at 40 major airports
- 20-40% of air traffic controllers not reporting to work
- Transportation Secretary warns of potential 20% air traffic cuts
US airlines cancelled approximately 1,460 flights on Saturday as government-mandated flight cuts entered their second day, with industry officials bracing for further disruptions amid an ongoing federal shutdown.
The Federal Aviation Administration has instructed airlines to reduce daily flights by 4% at 40 major airports due to air traffic control safety concerns stemming from the government shutdown that began October 1.
Widespread Flight Disruptions
Flight tracking data shows nearly 4,000 flights experienced delays on Saturday, down from 7,000 on Friday. Charlotte Douglas International Airport saw 130 arriving and departing flights cancelled Saturday afternoon, while airports in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, and Newark, New Jersey reported significant delays and cancellations.
The staffing crisis at radar centers and control towers continues to worsen air traffic problems nationwide. Flight reductions are scheduled to increase to 6% on Tuesday before reaching 10% by Friday.
Controller Shortage Worsens
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford revealed that 20-40% of air traffic controllers have failed to report for duty in recent days. The severe shortage stems from controllers not receiving paychecks for weeks during the ongoing shutdown.
On Saturday, the FAA issued a ground delay program for several airports, with average delays reaching 337 minutes at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, one of America’s busiest aviation hubs.
Transportation Secretary’s Warning
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has issued a stark warning that he may order up to 20% air traffic cuts if more controllers stop showing up for work. “I assess the data, we’re going to make decisions based on what we see in the airspace,” Duffy stated.
The situation continues to develop as the government shutdown enters its third week, with no immediate resolution in sight for the air travel crisis.
