Air travelers face frustration as FAA’s drop in flights takes effect

RIO YAMAT and JOSH FUNK, Associated Press

Air passengers may encounter more disappointment as busy U.S. airports must meet the Federal Aviation Administration's loftier goal of cutting flights on Tuesday after already canceling thousands of flights to reduce demands on the nation's aviation system during government shutdown.

Last week, the FAA ordered domestic airlines to cancel 4% of their flights in 40 major US airportsstating that the absence and signs of stress among traffic controllers require action in the name of public safety. After more than 7,900 flights have already been canceled since Friday, the flight reduction target is set to rise to 6% on Tuesday and again to 10% on Friday.

More than 1,100 flights were canceled Tuesday, according to FlightAware, a website that tracks air travel disruptions. It is unclear exactly how many additional flights will have to be canceled that day.

The average flight cancellation rate over the past few days has already exceeded FAA requirements, according to aviation analytics company Cirium. The FAA also expanded flight restrictions Monday, banning business jets and many private flights from using a dozen airports already subject to commercial flight restrictions.

However, the dispatcher shortage continued to cause flight delays, including about five hours for incoming flights Monday night at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, where winter weather added to the personnel outages earlier in the day. The FAA warned that personnel at more than a dozen towers and control centers could delay planes flying to Phoenix, San Diego, the New York area and Houston, among other cities.

Freezing weather in parts of the country on Tuesday could lead to further flight delays and cancellations.

The Senate passed legislation on Monday to reopen the governmentbut the bill still needs to be approved by the House of Representatives and could be days away from final passage. Transport Minister Sean Duffy made it clear Last week's flight cuts will continue until the FAA sees air traffic control staffing levels stabilizing.

Many planes are also not where they should be, which could slow airlines' return to normal operations even after the FAA lifts the order, said Mike Taylor, who heads airport and airline research at JD Power.

Todd Walker said he missed his mother's 80th birthday when his flight was canceled over the weekend.

“All of this has real negative consequences for millions of Americans, and it is 100% unnecessary and avoidable,” he said.

The FAA came under fire after its initial order only covered a very small portion of private jets. But some want more to be done.