The ongoing federal government shutdown, which became the longest in U.S. history on Wednesday, has prompted officials to announce plans to reduce flights at 40 of the country’s busiest airports. The policy may be short lived amid one of the deepest staffing crises in the contract air traffic control towers’ history. That same week, reports surfaced of air traffic controllers calling in sick over feeling underpaid.
As of the date the shutdown began, 800,000 federal employees, air traffic controllers included, have had to go without pay. It’s now lawmakers’ inaction on reaching a budget agreement that will leave these critical workers in limbo without compensation. In turn, absenteeism among air traffic controllers has skyrocketed, adding even more pressure to an air traffic system that’s already overloaded.
Further, they seek to relieve pressure on the air traffic control system. Our air traffic controllers are working under the most difficult of conditions. To provide for the safest and most efficient airspace in the world, we are cutting back on flights.
Air traffic controllers are on the front lines of our nation’s air travel safety. Many of them are now experiencing the same economic strain they’ve had to help their communities through during this shutdown. The lack of appropriate personnel has sparked major alarm. Without them, we simply can’t keep air traffic flowing smoothly while avoiding delays at congested airports where operational margins are already very thin.
American Airlines, one of the carriers faring likearly go the most wrost through these forthcoming cut by hardest. The airline industry is fully alert and standing by. These changes would have a significant effect on travel and operations during this new important holiday season.