Summary
Flight reductions at major U.S. airports will remain at 6% because more air traffic controllers are returning to work. This decision follows Congress's steps to end a prolonged government shutdown, which had left the air traffic system short-staffed.
Key Facts
- Flight reductions at 40 major U.S. airports will stay at 6% instead of rising to 10%.
- The cuts were necessary because air traffic controllers were missing work due to stress and the need for second jobs.
- The government shutdown had caused air traffic controllers to miss paychecks, leading to increased callouts.
- The Department of Transportation said the cuts were recommended by the FAA’s safety team due to safety concerns.
- President Donald Trump signed a bill to end the government shutdown, which was the longest in U.S. history.
- The FAA originally planned more significant cuts due to staffing shortages and safety data.
- Affected airports include major hubs like New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
- Delta Airlines expressed optimism about returning to full operations soon.
