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Air travel capacity to be reduced at major airports due to staffing pressures.
Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, significant flight cancellations are expected to begin this Friday. The nation’s top transportation official announced that air travel capacity could be cut by up to 10% at approximately forty major airports.
This decision comes as a response to increasing reports of fatigue from air traffic controllers, who are among the hundreds of thousands of federal employees currently working without pay.
Gradual Increase in Flight Cancellations
The reduction in flights will not happen all at once. According to reports, the process will be gradual:
* Friday: A 4% reduction in domestic flights.
* Saturday:A 5% reduction.
* Sunday: A 6% reduction.
* Next Week: Expected to reach the full 10% reduction.
The list of affected airports, which will be released soon, is said to include some of the country’s busiest travel hubs. These cancellations could impact several thousand flights per day. Officials have confirmed that international flights are not expected to be affected.
Safety Cited as the Primary Reason
Transportation officials emphasized that the decision to cancel flights is a proactive measure to maintain safety and efficiency. The head of the federal aviation agency stated that the pressures building within the system could compromise their ability to ensure the highest safety standards if left unchecked.
He confirmed that while air travel remains safe, these cancellations are necessary to manage the strain caused by the shutdown. If the budget impasse continues, even more restrictive measures may be required.
Airlines Await Guidance as Unions Voice Concern
Major airlines have stated they are waiting for official guidance to determine which specific flights will be cancelled. They have assured the public that they expect the vast majority of customer travel to proceed as planned and are urging a swift resolution to the government shutdown.
Labor unions representing aviation workers have highlighted the severe personal strain on employees. Many air traffic controllers are experiencing extreme financial stress, with some being forced to take on second jobs to make ends meet. Union leaders warn that the lack of predictability and the exhaustion among staff are creating an unsustainable situation.
The Root of the Problem: An Unpaid Workforce
The government shutdown began when Congress failed to agree on a federal funding budget. This has resulted in many essential workers, including air traffic controllers, working without pay for over a month.
The staffing shortages have already caused disruptions at some airports, and officials warn that the system is under increasing pressure. The situation has been described as reaching a potential tipping point, with concerns that employee absences could degrade the margin of safety.
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