January 1, Air Travel Faces Major Cuts After Shutdown

Wyatt’s Take

• The Department of Transportation will temporarily cut air traffic by 10% at 40 large airports.
• This move comes as air traffic workers go without pay during the government shutdown.
• Leaders say these steps are needed to ease pressure on workers and keep flights safe.

Travelers are about to see fewer flights at the nation’s busiest airports. The government shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history, is making it tough for air traffic controllers working without pay.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy explained the cuts will hit nearly 40 airports, dropping air traffic by 10%. He said many federal workers are picking up side jobs just to keep up with bills and daily needs.

“And what we’re finding is that our air traffic controllers, because of the financial pressures at home, are taking side jobs — they need to put food on the table, gas in the car pay their bills,” Duffy said.

The Department of Transportation says these reductions are about where the most stress is, not about where airlines fly the most.

Congress is still stuck on a deal to end the shutdown, held up by fights over Obamacare and coverage for illegal migrants. This standoff has left thousands of federal workers unpaid as the shutdown stretches into its 36th day.

Federal Aviation Administration chief Bryan Bedford announced that if staff shortages get worse, more airports could see even further reductions in service.

“We have decided that a 10% reduction in schedule capacity would be appropriate to again, continue to take the pressure off of our controllers, and as we continue to see staffing triggers, there will be additional measures that will be taken in those specific markets,” Bedford said.

The specific airports affected will be announced soon. Officials say the plan goes into effect Friday.

“But I also want to recognize the fact that the data is telling us we need to do more, and we are going to do more, and I want to reassure the American travelers that it is absolutely safe to fly in the American skies,” Bedford said.

Keep an eye on your travel plans, and make sure loved ones understand these changes could create more delays or cancellations. Working families deserve better than this never-ending standoff in Washington.

Wyatt Matters

When government grinds to a halt, it’s everyday folks who feel the pinch—missed paychecks, longer lines, and more worry for parents trying to get by. America’s backbone is being tested, and our voices matter more than ever.

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