US to cut flight capacity by 10 percent amid staffing shortage from government shutdown

US officials announced Wednesday that flight capacity will be reduced by 10 percent in 40 of the country’s busiest air traffic areas starting Friday, as the ongoing government shutdown continues to strain staffing levels.

“There is going to be a 10-percent reduction in capacity at 40 of our locations,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said at a news conference.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) chief Bryan Bedford added that the cuts would affect “40 high-traffic environment markets,” though specific locations were not immediately disclosed.
The move comes as the FAA faces severe staff shortages due to the shutdown, with many air traffic controllers and safety personnel working without pay or being furloughed, raising concerns about potential flight delays and disruptions nationwide.

SR