FAA Reducing Air Traffic By 10% Across 40 Markets

Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since the shutdown began on October 1.

The FAA is reducing air traffic by 10% across 40 “high-volume” markets.

The reducing will start Friday morning and intends to maintain travel safety as air traffic controllers have been struggling during the ongoing government shutdown.

The move is expected to impact thousands of flights nationwide as the FAA directs over 44,000 flights daily, including commercial passenger flights, cargo planes and private aircraft.

It was not immediately announced which airports or cities will be affected but the restrictions will remain in place as long as necessary.

Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since the shutdown began on October 1. Most have been on duty six days a week while putting in mandatory overtime. Many have called out, impacting an ongoing staffing shortage issue that has caused havoc on air travel across the nation.