The US will reduce air traffic at dozens of airports by 10% due to the shutdown.

Flight Reductions in the US Due to Shutdown: Chicago Among the Most Affected

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to reduce the number of flights by 10% at 40 of the country’s largest airports due to the prolonged shutdown of federal agencies.

The shutdown, caused by Congress’s inability to agree on a funding bill, has resulted in many government agencies halting operations since October 1. This has impacted the aviation sector, particularly air traffic control staff who are forced to work without pay. According to the Associated Press, FAA head Brian Bedford noted that such a situation is unprecedented in the last 35 years.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy confirmed that the reduction would affect 40 major airports, which may lead to the cancellation of up to 1,800 flights on Friday, November 7. Analytical data from Cirium indicates this could result in a loss of 268,000 seats. The country’s busiest airport, Chicago O’Hare, may lose up to 120 flights, accounting for 14,500 seats.

We remind you that the shutdown occurred after Congress failed to resolve budgetary issues. During this time, about 13,000 air traffic controllers are working without pay. U.S. President Donald Trump blamed the situation for negatively impacting Republicans in the recent gubernatorial elections in New York and other states.