(Washington, D.C.) The U.S. government shutdown continues, with the Department of Transportation's directive requiring dozens of airports nationwide to reduce flights taking effect. More than 800 scheduled flights were canceled on the first day.
This longest government shutdown in U.S. history has resulted in tens of thousands of air traffic controllers, airport security personnel, and other staff being furloughed without pay. The U.S. is about to enter its busiest travel season of the year, with only weeks left until the Thanksgiving holiday at the end of November.
According to a plan announced by Transportation Secretary Duffy, 40 major airports in the U.S., including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, must reduce flights by 10% starting Friday (November 7).
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revised its plan Thursday evening (November 6), requiring airlines to reduce domestic flights by 4% daily starting at 6:00 AM Eastern Time on Friday (7:00 PM Singapore Time) until Monday (November 10), then gradually increasing the reduction to reach the full 10% reduction target by November 14.
The reduction order took effect on Friday, and data from flight tracking website FlightAware showed that more than 800 scheduled flights were canceled that day.
Further Reading
Delta Air Lines announced the cancellation of approximately 170 flights on Friday; Southwest Airlines, the largest airline in the U.S., also canceled about 100 flights that day.
American Airlines will also cut 4% of its flights at 40 airports, equivalent to canceling about 220 flights per day from Friday to Monday.
Many travelers, worried about their travel plans being disrupted, have posted numerous questions and comments on social media platforms, trying to clarify their travel arrangements.
Data from the travel app Hopper shows that sales of its "flight disruption assistance" service have been steadily increasing since the government shutdown began on October 1st, with sales surging nearly 60% overnight after the government announced flight cuts.
CIA: Prolonged Government Shutdown Impacts National Security
The current government shutdown continues to break records, entering its 38th day on Friday, yet there is still no sign of a consensus between the two parties in Congress on restoring government operations.
CIA Deputy Director Ellis warned that a prolonged federal government shutdown could pose serious risks to national security, and the CIA is currently struggling to fund certain critical missions.
He stated that most CIA employees are considered essential workers and are currently working without pay. "The longer they go without pay, the longer we are unable to fund critical mission needs, and the greater the danger," he said.
Federal District Judge McConnell emphasized that there is evidence that Americans will face hunger, and relief stations providing free meals to those in need will be overwhelmed. He ordered the Trump administration to fully disburse this month's food assistance funds to 42 million low-income Americans by Friday.
