Government shutdown becomes longest in history
Zach Schermele reports from Capitol Hill as the shutdown surpasses 35 days, the longest in history.
More than five weeks into the federal government shutdown − the longest continuous shutdown in history − 40 major U.S. airports are reducing their flights by 10% to account for the pressure placed on air traffic controllers who are not being paid.
Two major New York City airports, LaGuardia (LGA) and John F. Kennedy International (JFK), are among those affected. The reductions take effect today, Friday, Nov. 7, with no end date announced.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the cuts are a direct result of staffing stress during the record-breaking shutdown. “It’s going to lead to more cancellations,” he said, “but we’re working with airlines to do this in a systematic way.”
The Federal Aviation Administration released the full list of airports Thursday, including major hubs such as Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago O’Hare, and Newark Liberty.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the changes aim to “put relief where it will do the most good” while ensuring flight safety remains uncompromised.
Air traffic controllers are considered essential workers, meaning they must report to duty even without pay. Although back pay is expected once the shutdown ends, weeks without income have added stress and fatigue across the system.
“When controllers or TSA officers can’t report to work, it creates delays and longer security lines,” Bedford said.
Travelers should expect potential cancellations and delays at affected airports and check their airline’s website or airport status before heading to the terminal.
Check your flight status at NY airports
Airports across the country track flight arrivals and departures. Here are links to the busiest airports in New York state. Note the reason for a flight status change is not listed and some delays and cancellations may be due to weather, equipment or another reason not related to the 10% reduction.
Also of note is New Jersey’s Newark airport – just outside New York City but located within the Garden state, the airport is a major hub for the New York City metro area.
Which airports are affected?
Contributing: Reuters and the USA Today network