A typical trip to the skies could lead to long lines and changes in plans as airlines comply with a Federal Aviation Administration order to reduce flights by 4% at high-traffic airports starting Friday.
The cuts result in a 10% reduction in capacity at 40 locations, intended to ease concerns and reduce air traffic controller fatigue as the government shutdown drags on.
Here's how the cuts, delays and cancellations are unfolding.
Why is this happening?
The government shutdown has hit the airline industry hard, leading to delays, flight cancellations, burnout and mounting pressure on short-staffed air traffic controllers.
Air traffic controllers are highly specialized federal employees who have gone without pay during the shutdown, which is now in its second month.
Since the shutdown began, there has been an increase in “personnel triggers” at air traffic facilities across the country, leading to “increased reports of system load from both pilots and air traffic controllers,” the Department of Transportation said Thursday. Dispatchers are tired “sick”, and in some cases found a second job to make ends meet.
Transport Minister Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Brian Bedford made the announcement. 10% discount on Wednesday.calling it a “preemptive” attempt to keep American airspace safe while addressing the problem of “fatigue” affecting controllers.
Jeff GuzzettiAn aviation accident investigator who has worked for both the National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA said the move by aviation officials is unprecedented.
By reducing the number of flights, the FAA “will reduce the potential risk that an overworked controller or understaffed FAA staff will make a mistake and crash two planes into each other,” Guzzetti said. He noted that the move, however, “will cost airlines and commerce a lot of money. And it will cause huge inconvenience to traveling passengers.”
How many flights are affected?
The FAA ordered a 4% reduction in operations starting Friday, increasing to 6% by Nov. 11, 8% by Nov. 13 and 10% by Nov. 14.
American Airlines said a 4% reduction would mean 220 canceled flights per day. The vast majority of affected American Airlines flights are regional and international flights, including Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean, will not be affected, CEO David Seymour said in a letter to employees. The impact of further routes between nodes will be minimized.
United Airlines said 188 flights would be canceled Friday, Southwest said 120 would be canceled and Delta 170.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said long-haul international and hub-to-hub flights would not be affected, but the cuts would impact “regional flights and domestic long-haul flights that do not travel between our hubs.”
According to the FAA, a 10% reduction would result in the cancellation of about 4,400 flights per day, as the FAA handles an average of 44,360 flights per day. FY 2024 figures.
The top 40 airports with a major impact include major cities such as Chicago, the New York City area, Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Dallas Fort Worth.
What to do if your flight is cancelled?
If you are traveling in the coming weeks, check the status of your flight with your airline.
The Ministry of Transport has ordered all airlines to pay full refunds to affected customers. For now, major airlines say they will warn customers about cancellations, offer rebooking options and offer refunds regardless of whether your flight is affected.
American Airlines is providing travel waivers that allow customers whose flights are canceled to change their flight or request a refund without penalty.
United said affected customers will be notified via the app and push notifications about flight changes and rebooking options. United customers traveling during this period are also eligible for a refund, even if their flight is not affected. The airline also published a list of canceled flights from Friday to Sunday. on your website.
Delta is also providing travel benefits, allowing customers in affected markets to change, cancel or refund without penalty.
Southwest said the “vast majority” of customers' flights will not be disrupted and those affected will hear from the airline. Those with travel booked before November 12 can change their plans or receive a refund.
