Summary
U.S. airports in over 24 states will reduce air traffic by 10% due to the government shutdown. This measure is to ease pressure on air traffic controllers who aren't getting paid, leading to staffing shortages and flight delays. The start of these reductions is set for Friday, and it's not clear when they will end.
Key Facts
- A 10% reduction in flights is planned for Friday at U.S. airports in more than 24 states.
- The Federal Aviation Administration is making this change to reduce the stress on unpaid air traffic controllers during the government shutdown.
- The list of affected airports includes major ones like Atlanta, Denver, and Dallas.
- Staffing shortages have been worsened by controllers calling in sick and working overtime without pay.
- Experts say travelers should check flight statuses before heading to airports due to potential delays.
- Airlines like United and Delta will offer refunds for some tickets due to these disruptions.
- The shutdown has resulted in up to 1,800 canceled flights and impacted around 268,000 seats.
- There's no clear end to these reductions as the shutdown continues.
