Airlines and aviation regulators have indicated that flight disruptions are anticipated to continue following the reopening of the government, as airlines canceled numerous flights on Tuesday. The government shutdown has now reached 42 days.
FAA Directives and Staffing Shortages
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) directed airlines to reduce air traffic at 40 of the busiest airports in the United States, with planned reductions increasing to 10% of flights by Friday. This measure addresses ongoing staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, who have been required to work without pay during the shutdown.
- Over the past weekend, the FAA reported staffing deficiencies across dozens of facilities, leading to a reduction in air traffic flow to alleviate pressure on available controllers.
- On Tuesday, over 1,200 flights were canceled, according to aviation tracking site FlightAware.
Official Response and Recovery Outlook
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted an improvement in staffing levels on Tuesday, with only a few FAA facilities reporting shortages. However, Duffy stated that air traffic restrictions would remain in place until regulatory bodies confirm a return to normal staffing levels.
- Duffy commented during a press conference, "We're going to wait to see the data on our end before we take out the restrictions in travel. But it depends on controllers coming back to work."
Post-Shutdown Operational Recovery
Even after the lifting of restrictions, a complete return to normal airline operations is expected to require several days.
- Former FAA administrator Randy Babbitt explained that unwinding the disruptions would involve addressing logistical issues such as aircraft being located in incorrect cities. He indicated that carriers would be responsible for re-establishing schedules, aircraft, and personnel positions for normal flight resumption.
- Airlines for America, an aviation industry trade group, issued a statement warning that airlines' reduced flight schedules could not immediately revert to full capacity post-reopening, anticipating residual effects for days.
Safety Considerations and Political Discussion
The FAA asserts that flight restrictions are necessary to maintain system safety given the reduced number of air traffic controllers on duty during the government shutdown. Some controllers have reportedly sought alternative employment or reported illness.
- Some Democratic critics suggested the flight reductions constituted a political maneuver aimed at accelerating the end of the government shutdown.
- Secretary Duffy denied this accusation on Tuesday, stating that the administration's actions were a response to concerns from pilots and reports of increased instances of aircraft losing required separation.
- Duffy also cautioned that further potential disruptions, including the possibility of airlines ceasing operations entirely, could occur if the shutdown continued.