Flight cancellation updates: FAA’s government shutdown traffic reduction continues

Staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay since the start of October, have grown worse as the government shutdown has stretched on, with increasing numbers calling in sick.

In response, the FAA has moved to reduce flight operations as it works to maintain safety standards despite the shortages.

“We are seeing signs of stress in the system, so we are proactively reducing the number of flights to make sure the American people continue to fly safely,” FAA administrator Bryan Bedford said in a statement this week.

“The FAA will continue to closely monitor operations, and we will not hesitate to take further action to make sure air travel remains safe.”