The United States (US) government will cut flight operations by ten per cent across forty major airports starting Friday morning.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the move, citing the growing strain on air traffic control systems during the record government shutdown.
The 36-day shutdown, now the longest in American history, has severely affected staffing at the Federal Aviation Administration.
Officials estimate the reduction will impact about 3,500 to 4,000 flights daily, including both passenger and cargo operations nationwide.
Duffy described the measure as precautionary, emphasising that maintaining safety standards remains the government’s top operational priority. He stated that the decision has no fixed timeline and may continue depending on staffing and operational stability.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford noted visible signs of fatigue among essential air traffic controllers working without regular pay. He explained that maintaining the world’s safest airspace requires proactive intervention before the situation worsens further across control facilities.
Airlines for America, representing major US carriers, said it was coordinating closely with authorities to minimise disruptions for travellers.
The reduction could trigger longer flight delays, cancellations, and congestion during the busy Thanksgiving holiday period later this month.
Despite cuts, FAA officials reaffirmed that the national airspace remains safe, though further restrictions might follow if the shutdown persists.
Delays have already increased nationwide, with over 5,000 flights disrupted last weekend as the system faces mounting operational pressure
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