US cuts 10% of flights due to record-long government shutdown

(CLO) To reduce pressure on the overloaded air traffic control system due to the prolonged government shutdown, the US government has decided to reduce 10% of aircraft traffic nationwide.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on January 25 that it would cut 10% of flights in 40 "high-traffic" areas. The move comes as the US government enters its 36th day of shutdown, breaking the longest record in history. Details of the affected areas will be announced today, and the cuts are expected to take effect from January 27.

This measure not only affects civil airspace but also impacts a number of other activities, including space launches.

This is considered an unprecedented move by the US government. Observers are concerned that this decision could worsen the situation of flight delays and cancellations before Thanksgiving, and disrupt cargo transportation activities.

An American Airlines plane. Photo: CC/BriYYZ

For example, if Chicago O'Hare International Airport were to cut 10% of its capacity, it would lose 121 flights a day, or more than 14,500 seats. "There will be frustrations," said US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. "But ultimately, our primary mission is to make the airspace as safe as possible."

Airlines for America, the group representing major U.S. airlines, said it is working with the federal government to understand the details of the plan and work to minimize the impact on passengers.

The government shutdown began on October 1, when Democrats and Republicans in the US Congress disagreed and could not pass a budget bill. According to analysts, the consequences of the shutdown are becoming more serious, while both sides have yet to show any significant signs of concessions.

The aviation industry is facing challenges as airport staff and air traffic controllers are forced to work without pay. Increased sick leave and vacation leave have left many airports with severe staff shortages, putting pressure on remaining staff.

More than 10,000 domestic and international flights were canceled in the United States last weekend, according to FlightAware. That number has risen to 11,000 so far this week.

Although FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford asserted in a January 25 statement that the aviation system remains as safe and efficient as it was before the shutdown, he acknowledged that the agency has seen worrying signs of burnout among air traffic controllers.

Source: https://congluan.vn/my-cat-giam-10-so-chuyen-bay-do-chinh-phu-dong-cua-lau-ky-luc-10316824.html