US to cut airline traffic by 10% due to shutdown, Trump transport chief says

The US government will reduce airline traffic by 10% at 40 high-volume markets starting Friday if the government shutdown does not end. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford announced the cuts, which will affect cargo, private, and passenger flights, with international flights initially exempted. The reductions are a pre-emptive, safety-driven measure to reduce stress on air traffic controllers who are working without pay due to the shutdown, which is in its record-breaking 36th day. The FAA is concerned about widespread reports of fatigue among controllers, who are facing financial difficulties. The cuts, expected to begin at 4% on Friday and escalate to 10% next week, aim to alleviate these pressures. Aviation analytics firm Cirium estimated the cuts could reduce up to 1,800 flights and over 268,000 airline seats. The FAA is taking steps to mitigate the shortage, including offering cash bonuses to retiring controllers and increasing recruitment at the FAA academy. The agency will meet with airline representatives to discuss implementation. Further actions may be taken if the shutdown ... download the app to read more