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Airports in New York and Chicago are expected to be among those affected by flight reductions amid the ongoing U.S. government shutdown.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a 10% reduction in flights across 40 major airports, citing safety concerns related to air traffic management. The measures come as the shutdown reaches its 36th day, Reuters reports.
According to the outlet, airlines were forced to cut flights within just 36 hours, leading to overwhelmed customer service hotlines as passengers scrambled to rebook. Duffy stated that the reductions would be lifted if Democrats agree to Republican terms for reopening the government.
The White House is ramping up pressure on Democrats to end the shutdown, while Democrats blame Republicans for refusing to negotiate over key healthcare subsidies.
Although the government has not disclosed which 40 airports will be impacted, the cuts are expected to affect 30 of the busiest hubs, including airports serving New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Dallas, according to reports.
The shutdown — a partial suspension of government operations — has already forced 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration employees to work without pay, causing tens of thousands of flight disruptions. Secretary Duffy previously warned that the prolonged shutdown could lead to a complete halt of the U.S. aviation system.
