Dhaka: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said on Wednesday (Nov 5) it will cut air traffic by 10pc across 40 high-volume markets starting Friday (Nov 7), citing safety concerns amid the ongoing U.S. government shutdown.

The move, supported by the federal government, comes as the FAA faces staffing shortages, with some air traffic controllers furloughed and others working unpaid.

The shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history since it began on Oct. 1, has already caused widespread flight delays nationwide.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the agency“can't ignore” the staffing pressures. Bedford and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy are due to meet airline executives later on Wednesday to discuss how to implement the cut safely.

An airline industry group estimates more than 3.2 million passengers have already been affected by delays or cancellations due to rising controller absences.

On Wednesday alone, over 2,100 flights were disrupted, and on Tuesday Bedford said that 20pc to 40pc of controllers at the 30 busiest airports were not working.

The FAA says nearly 13,000 controllers have been working without pay for weeks.

Airlines have reported limited business impact so far but warned that bookings could fall if the shutdown continues.

-B

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