Jets are seen at the tarmac of the Teterboro Airport in Teterboro, New Jersey,
REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
(Washington, DC) — Check your flight before heading out! Federal officials are announcing a cutback in the number of flights in U.S. airspace starting November 6th.
It’s a result of staffing shortages during the federal government shutdown. FAA administrator Bryan Bedford announced November 5th the agency will reduce air traffic by ten percent at 40 high-volume airports if there’s no deal to end the shutdown.
Bedford said the reduction would help take the pressure off air traffic controllers who are forced to work, even without pay, leading many to take sick days. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy had said earlier in the week the FAA would be forced to shut down airspace in some markets if the shutdown continued.
