Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy ordered flight reductions at 40 airports during the government shutdown, directing carriers to cut operations by 10 percent while citing unpublished safety data about air traffic controller staffing and aircraft proximity incidents. The decision prompted criticism from Democratic lawmakers who characterized the restrictions as politically motivated pressure tactics rather than genuine safety measures, though Duffy maintained the cuts resulted from recommendations by nonpolitical Federal Aviation Administration safety experts.
The directive affects hundreds of flights daily and could cost airlines approximately $100 million per day, according to industry estimates. Controllers working without pay have increased sick leave usage while some pursue additional employment, creating staffing shortages at facilities nationwide. Delay rates through November have remained comparable to October levels at 18.71 percent.
Duffy warned that continued absences among experienced controllers might necessitate expanding reductions to 15 or 20 percent of traffic. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer dismissed the flight cuts as a stunt, while National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy endorsed the measures as appropriate safety management.
The directive affects hundreds of flights daily and could cost airlines approximately $100 million per day, according to industry estimates. Controllers working without pay have increased sick leave usage while some pursue additional employment, creating staffing shortages at facilities nationwide. Delay rates through November have remained comparable to October levels at 18.71 percent.
Duffy warned that continued absences among experienced controllers might necessitate expanding reductions to 15 or 20 percent of traffic. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer dismissed the flight cuts as a stunt, while National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy endorsed the measures as appropriate safety management.
