Summary
The FAA is cutting flights at major U.S. airports due to the ongoing government shutdown and air traffic controller shortages. Flights have been reduced to ease stress on unpaid air traffic controllers and improve safety. The Senate passed a bill to reopen the government, but it still needs House approval.
Key Facts
- The FAA ordered domestic airlines to cut 4% of flights at 40 major U.S. airports.
- Starting Tuesday, the flight cuts increased to 6% and are planned to reach 10% by Friday.
- Nearly 1,200 flights were canceled on Tuesday.
- Severe weather is causing additional delays and cancellations at some airports.
- Staffing shortages continue to delay flights, such as a five-hour delay at Chicago O'Hare.
- Over a dozen air traffic towers and centers are experiencing staffing shortages that affect various cities.
- The Senate passed a bill to reopen the government, but it needs approval from the House.
- Flight operations may not normalize immediately even after the government shutdown ends.
