(DDM) – The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced plans to reduce flight capacity by 10 percent at 40 major airports nationwide beginning Friday morning, citing the ongoing government shutdown and staffing shortages as key reasons for the move.
According to Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the drastic decision follows warnings by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy earlier this week that portions of the U.S. airspace could face temporary closures if the federal shutdown continues into next week.
FAA officials said the reduction was necessary to maintain operational safety standards amid reduced staffing of air traffic controllers and safety inspectors.
The cuts are expected to affect several major hubs, including airports in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas, and Miami, some of the busiest in the world.
The agency said it would prioritize safety and limit delays as much as possible, though airlines have been advised to prepare for potential flight disruptions and cancellations.
“The FAA must act responsibly to protect the integrity of the national airspace system,” a spokesperson said.
“This decision, while difficult, ensures that we continue operating safely with available personnel.”
Background checks by DDM reveal that this is the first nationwide capacity reduction by the FAA since the 2013 U.S. government shutdown, which similarly affected airport operations and flight schedules across the country.
Aviation experts warn that the new cuts could cause widespread delays, increased ticket prices, and logistical strain during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Airlines are reportedly revising their schedules and reallocating resources to minimize the impact on passengers.
Transportation Secretary Duffy had earlier told reporters that without congressional agreement to restore agency funding, the FAA would have no choice but to “ground flights in key regions to prevent operational collapse.”
The shutdown, now entering its third week, has left several federal agencies scrambling to maintain essential services.
Thousands of federal workers, including those in aviation safety, are either furloughed or working without pay.
Travelers have already begun expressing frustration on social media, with many calling on Congress and the White House to end the political deadlock that threatens to cripple America’s aviation system.
Airline industry representatives have urged the government to reach an immediate funding resolution, warning that extended capacity cuts could cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars and affect global air travel confidence.
Meanwhile, consumer rights groups have called for clear passenger compensation guidelines, saying travelers should not bear the financial burden of political dysfunction.
Analysts told DDM that if the shutdown continues beyond next week, more drastic measures, including temporary closure of some regional control towers and airspace restrictions, could follow, causing further disruption to both domestic and international flights.
The FAA is expected to issue an updated advisory to airlines and travelers later tonight, outlining affected airports and expected flight schedules under the new 10 percent capacity limit.
