FAA accountability

FAA Flight Cuts Begin Friday: Impacting Airports Nationwide

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.… Continue reading

DOT to Cut Traffic 10% at 40 Airports if Shutdown Persists, Starting Friday

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is preparing to reduce flights at approximately 40 major airports as early as Friday due to air traffic control staffing shortages. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that this “draw down in service” will impact air traffic by 10% in these high-volume markets. The FAA is collaborating with airlines to implement these cuts, which are a direct response to increased delays and cancellations caused by air traffic controller staffing pressures during the government shutdown. These pressures stem from controllers working without pay, leading to increased sick calls and shortages, with over 400 shortages reported at FAA facilities since the shutdown began.

Read More

Reagan National Airport Briefly Halts Flights Due to Security Threat

Flight operations at Reagan National Airport were temporarily halted Tuesday following a security threat targeting United Airlines flight 512, which was arriving from Houston. The plane landed away from the terminal, and passengers were safely deplaned and transported to the terminal while authorities investigated. The FAA confirmed the incident, stating that the aircraft was isolated while law enforcement investigated the reported threat. After a runway closure, operations resumed at 12:50 p.m. with the FBI confirming that no hazards were found and the investigation is ongoing with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority police.

Read More

US Flights Delayed Amid ATC Shortages as Shutdown Impacts Thanksgiving Travel

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that nearly half of the busiest US airports experienced air traffic controller shortages, leading to widespread flight delays nationwide due to the ongoing government shutdown. These shortages were particularly acute on Friday, with some airports experiencing delays of an hour or more and a significant number of flight cancellations. The shutdown, which has left air traffic controllers and other essential personnel working without pay, has resulted in immense stress and fatigue, further exacerbating existing staffing issues and posing a threat to aviation safety. Airlines and other organizations have urged Congress to pass a stopgap funding bill to end the shutdown and mitigate these disruptions.

Read More

NYC-Area Air Traffic Controllers Absent Amid FAA Shutdown, Citing Stress and Unpaid Work

80% of NYC-area air traffic controllers absent amid a “surge” in callouts: FAA. Well, that’s a headline that grabs your attention, doesn’t it? It seems a significant chunk of air traffic controllers in the New York City area aren’t showing up for work, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is calling it a “surge” in callouts. This news is especially concerning, given the already delicate balance of air travel, particularly in a region as densely populated and aviation-dependent as the New York metropolitan area.

The absence of such a high percentage of controllers clearly indicates a major problem. It suggests that something significant is pushing these essential workers to stay away from their jobs.… Continue reading

LAX Flights Grounded Due to Staffing Issues Amid Political Tensions

Ground stop issued for LAX flights due to staffing issues: FAA, and it seems things are about to get interesting. The news is out, and it’s a bit of a perfect storm brewing, isn’t it? A ground stop at one of the busiest airports in the world, LAX, is already causing ripples, and the anticipation of how this might unfold across the country is palpable. It’s a situation that has many people bracing themselves, especially with Thanksgiving just around the corner, as this could quickly turn into a travel nightmare for many families.

Ground stop issued for LAX flights due to staffing issues: FAA, and it sounds like this situation isn’t just about one airport.… Continue reading

LAX Flights Halted Due to Air Traffic Controller Shortage: Political Fallout

AP News reported that a staffing shortage at a Southern California air traffic facility led to a temporary ground stop for flights headed to Los Angeles International Airport. The FAA also cited staffing-related delays in Chicago, Washington, and Newark, New Jersey. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy predicted increased flight delays and cancellations due to air traffic controllers working without pay during the federal government shutdown, leading to more controllers calling out sick. The hold at LAX, which began at 11:42 a.m. Eastern time and lifted at 1:30 p.m. Eastern time, appeared to be resolved quickly, but other airports experienced similar issues.

Read More

US Airport ATC Shortage Triggers Concern Amidst Pay Disputes and Travel Chaos

The government shutdown has significantly impacted US airports, with over 20 incidents of air traffic controller shortages reported on Saturday, resulting in ground stops and flight delays. This trend is expected to worsen, with the FAA already noting staffing issues at multiple airports, prompting concerns about the strain on controllers working without pay. Controller staffing shortfalls have led to mandatory overtime and the pursuit of second jobs to make ends meet, further impacting the air traffic control system’s efficiency. The ongoing shutdown mirrors previous disruptions, with the potential to reduce safety measures, impacting training, and increasing wait times as the shutdown continues.

Read More

Burbank Airport Tower Unmanned During Shutdown, Flights Face Delays

On Monday evening, the air traffic control tower at Burbank Airport was unmanned due to the increasing number of air traffic controllers calling out sick amidst the government shutdown. The FAA anticipates the tower will be without controllers until 10 p.m., with Southern California TRACON taking over air traffic duties remotely. Although officials hope for minimal impact, delays and cancellations are expected as the shutdown continues, potentially leading to staffing shortages and longer security lines. This situation mirrors the 2018-2019 shutdown, where similar issues occurred, and could worsen as unpaid workers face financial strain.

Read More

FAA Furloughs Amidst US Government Shutdown Raise Safety, Travel Concerns

FAA plans to furlough 11,000 employees in a US government shutdown. It’s a stark reality that’s looming over many right now, and the implications are, well, significant. It makes you wonder, where do these people who keep us safe fit in? Will they be among those forced to work without pay? It’s a legitimate concern, especially when we consider the crucial role these employees play in ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel.

FAA plans to furlough 11,000 employees in a US government shutdown, but not all of them. We know that over 13,000 air traffic controllers, vital for keeping the skies safe, will be required to continue working, even without immediate pay.… Continue reading