The ongoing US government shutdown has led to a 10% reduction in flights at over 40 busy airports to ease strain on unpaid air traffic controllers.
Airports in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and 37 other busy US airports will see flight reductions starting Friday because of the ongoing government shutdown, as per the list given to airlines, according to a report in The Associated Press.
The Federal Aviation Administration Thursday said it will reduce air traffic by 10% at high-volume airports to maintain safety. Air traffic controllers have not been paid during the shutdown and are showing signs of strain.
Aviation analytics firm Cirium estimates up to 1,800 flights, carrying around 268,000 passengers, could be affected each day.
Airports affected are in more than two dozen states and include Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Orlando, Miami, and San Francisco. Some cities, such as New York, Houston and Chicago, will see cuts at multiple airports.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the reductions are needed to ease pressure on controllers, many of whom are working without pay and calling in sick. Controllers have already missed one full paycheck and are expected to miss another next week.
Airlines will begin notifying passengers about cancellations. United, Delta, and American Airlines said they will offer refunds to travellers who choose not to fly.
United plans to focus reductions on smaller regional routes. Frontier Airlines advised travelers to book backup tickets to avoid being stranded.
