In response to mounting pressures on air traffic controllers and the ongoing federal government shutdown, U.S. officials are preparing to reduce flight operations at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports. The unprecedented shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history, has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers, including air traffic controllers, without pay. Many controllers have called in sick due to financial strain, exacerbating staffing shortages and operational challenges. While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has yet to formally announce the specific airports affected, a comprehensive list has been disclosed by U.S. media outlets. Notably, international flights will remain unaffected by the cuts. The airports potentially impacted include major hubs such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Los Angeles International, and Chicago O’Hare International, among others. This measure aims to alleviate the burden on overstretched air traffic control systems, ensuring safety and operational efficiency during this turbulent period. The situation underscores the broader consequences of the government shutdown, which continues to disrupt critical public services and infrastructure.
These 40 US airports may face flight reductions during government shutdown
