The ongoing U.S. government shutdown, which began on October 1, has prompted significant changes in air traffic operations across the country. As of Wednesday, the shutdown reached its 36th day, officially becoming the longest shutdown in United States history. This has led to a functional shortfall of 3,000-plus air traffic controllers, who have been required to work for no pay. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said a 10% cut in airline service will be implemented at 40 airports, beginning Friday. If the shutdown goes on, this is the action we’ll take.
Prompting this announcement was a warning by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about air traffic controllers’ well-being in light of reports and evidence of controller fatigue. Right now, at least 11,000 of those controllers are going without pay even though they are doing their jobs every day, the very expensive and dangerous shutdown.
“Air traffic is currently operating safely,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. The agency is being proactive and should continue to be in their measures to guarantee the safety of our airspace. A disappointed Duffy expressed his frustration with the process as it continues to unfold. He cautioned that parts of U.S. airspace would need to close if the shutdown drags on.
An industry and FAA meeting is scheduled for next week to discuss how traffic reductions will be implemented. The intent is to reduce strain on air traffic controllers currently facing the burden of a workforce growing in need but not in funding.
“I’m not aware in my 35-year history in the aviation market where we’ve had a situation where we’re taking these kind of measures,” Bedford stated, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the current circumstances. He added that “as we slice the data more granularly, we are seeing pressures build in a way that we don’t feel, if we allow it to go unchecked, will allow us to continue to tell the public that we operate the safest airline system in the world.”
They’re dangling $30k cash bonuses to retiring air traffic controllers to try and entice them to stay on staff. Furthermore, the FAA academy is increasing its recruitment tempo to help stem the tide of retiring personnel in this key area.
As the situation develops, officials emphasize the need for swift resolution to the shutdown to restore normal operations and ensure the safety of air travel in the United States.