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FAA Preps To Curb 10% of Air Traffic at Busy Airports
Industry coalition called on Congress to reopen government
Newark Airport in the New York City area experienced significant disruption.
The nation's busiest airports will see traffic curbs as the government shutdown continues. © Newark International Airport

In line with his warnings this week about delays and potential airspace closures during the ongoing government shutdown, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy yesterday said the FAA will curb operations by 10% at 40 busy airports. Delays are anticipated to begin tomorrow and ramp up to 10% in the coming days. This is part of a multifaceted approach the agency is taking to grapple with rolling air traffic controller shortages that officials say have been occurring throughout the system since the U.S. government shutdown began on October 1, Duffy said.

In a press briefing, he stressed that the curbs are data-based. “This is not based on what airline has more flights out of what location. This is about where is the pressure and how do we alleviate the pressure,” he said. “Our sole role is to make sure that we keep this airspace as safe as possible.”

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