By Matt Underwood FAA says it will cut thousands of flights a day starting Friday due to government shutdown: List of airports here – ABC7 Chicago. The news is out, and it’s hitting the aviation world hard. The FAA is preparing to slash thousands of flights daily starting this Friday due to the ongoing government shutdown. This is bound to cause major disruptions, especially with the holiday season fast approaching. It’s a logistical nightmare waiting to happen, frankly.
The impact is widespread, affecting numerous major airports across the country. ABC7 Chicago has the list of airports that will be affected. You can expect significant changes at hubs like Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, Denver International, Dallas/Fort Worth, and both of New York’s major airports, JFK and LaGuardia. Other cities on the list include Boston, Baltimore, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Dallas, Washington D.C., Detroit, Newark, Fort Lauderdale, Honolulu, Houston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando, Chicago, Memphis, Miami, Minneapolis, Oakland, Ontario, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Seattle, and Tampa. This means travel plans for a lot of people will be impacted.
The rationale from the FAA, as quoted by ABC News, is all about safety. The government shutdown creates staffing shortages, and that affects their ability to maintain safe air traffic control. They’re aiming to reduce pressure by decreasing capacity at 40 locations. It’s a necessary step, even though it’s incredibly inconvenient for travelers and airlines alike. The cuts were initially scheduled to begin Friday but could start as early as Thursday, as per ABC News.
The immediate reaction from many travelers is, understandably, a mixture of frustration, anger, and concern. Many people have existing travel plans that will be affected by these cuts. The potential for delays, cancellations, and overall travel chaos is extremely high, especially in the week leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday. Those with flights booked through any of the listed airports will likely be scrambling to get information and possibly change their travel plans.
There are concerns about the ripple effect these cuts will have. For instance, the shutdown and flight cuts could lead to more people driving, further complicating travel for those traveling by car. Others are concerned about what it means for people getting home for the holidays or going on vacation, and also for those who need to travel for work. There are also financial implications: some express worries about whether airlines will exploit the situation to increase prices.
Some people also noted the government’s approach to the situation. Many see this as a consequence of political disagreements, questioning the impact on normal citizens. Some opinions suggest that only ordinary citizens will be penalized by these decisions, implying the elite and privileged won’t be affected as they can still fly in private planes. This sentiment seems to be widespread, creating a narrative of “us versus them.”
The impact of the shutdown extends beyond just flight cuts. Some travelers fear the potential for increased airport congestion as airlines try to consolidate flights, which can lead to longer lines, and more stress. There are legitimate worries about whether essential services will be affected. This can create a sense of uncertainty for those who have travel plans during the shutdown, as it affects the confidence they place in their ability to carry out their plans.
A variety of reactions are being shared regarding the government’s actions, and what these decisions mean. Some express the belief that this is simply the latest example of political dysfunction. There are many who express that they are not surprised by the situation, especially given previous government shutdowns. They see this as a sign of the current state of politics in America.
There’s the question of whether the airlines will use this opportunity to raise prices, impacting an industry already facing several challenges. Some are hoping the airlines will address the situation and help people change their plans. In the meantime, the overall mood is uncertain.