FAA to cut air traffic by 10% amid prolonged US government shutdown to ensure safety

Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Nov 6: In an unprecedented move, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Wednesday that it will slash air traffic by 10% across 40 of the nation’s busiest markets starting Friday, as the ongoing government shutdown continues to strain the aviation workforce.

The decision, described by FAA administrator Bryan Bedford as one he had “not seen in 35 years in aviation,” aims to safeguard flight safety amid worsening staff shortages. The FAA handles over 44,000 aircraft movements daily including commercial, cargo, and private flights meaning thousands of scheduled services are expected to be affected.

Air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay since the shutdown began on October 1, are reportedly overworked, wit