The U.S. government shutdown just hit turbulence ✈️—literally. With the federal funding freeze now the longest in U.S. history, the FAA announced a 10% cut in airline traffic at 40 key locations starting Friday. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called it a “preemptive strike” to avoid safety risks as unpaid air traffic controllers and TSA staff buckle under pressure. 💸
Why the Cut? 🛑
Over 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 security officers haven’t seen a paycheck since the shutdown began. With more workers calling in sick or quitting, delays and safety fears are soaring. Duffy warned of “more cancellations” as airlines scramble to adjust schedules. 🗓️
Staffing Crisis Deepens 😓
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford admitted this is “renewed territory”—no prior shutdown has forced such drastic measures. A 10% capacity reduction aims to ease strain on overworked controllers, but Bedford hinted at “additional measures” if staffing shortages worsen. 🚨
Travelers Beware 🧳
If you’re flying this week, brace for delays. Major hubs like NYC and LA could see ripple effects. Pro tip: Check your flight status and pack extra patience. 🧘♂️
