The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a 10% reduction in flight capacity at 40 major airports across the United States, including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Ontario International Airport (ONT). This decision comes amid a record-breaking government shutdown, and it could result in thousands of flights being cut daily.
The reductions will begin at 4% on Friday morning and gradually increase to 10%, affecting flights scheduled between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
California is the most impacted state, with five airports on the list, including San Diego International Airport (SAN), Oakland International Airport (OAK), and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
International flights will not be affected by these cuts.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized during a press conference that the decision is a proactive measure to maintain safety in the national airspace. Bedford stated, “Our sole role is to make sure that we keep this airspace as safe as possible.”
The FAA’s unprecedented move aims to address staffing pressures anticipated to grow during the shutdown. Bedford noted that the cuts to each airline’s flight schedules will be proportionate, and the agency will consider various factors when finalizing the reductions. The FAA plans to work with airlines to implement the changes systematically.
Airlines for America, a trade association representing major U.S. airlines, expressed their commitment to understanding the new mandate and mitigating its impact on passengers and shippers. United Airlines has stated that long-haul international and hub-to-hub flights will remain unaffected, and customers can request refunds for impacted flights.
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