With the new Federal Aviation Administration order to scale back flights, air travel is about to get even more complicated for passengers already navigating a turbulent period for U.S. aviation.
“Right now, the Trump administration is planning to reduce air traffic at 40 airports across the United States if the shutdown continues,” Eric Napoli, chief legal officer at AirHelp, told HuffPost. “More specifically, 10% of air traffic would be cut from each airport, which could impact thousands of flights.”
The order, which comes as the administration ramps up pressure on Democrats in Congress to end the shutdown, directs airlines to reduce air traffic at major airports across the U.S., including metropolitan destinations with multiple impacted hubs.
“The first flight cuts from the DOT’s order hit the schedule on Friday ― smaller numbers at first but escalating into next week until the target of 10% is reached,” said Ben Mutzabaugh, managing editor of The Points Guy.
He added that the order was issued in order “to lessen the strain in the U.S. aviation system” in light of the current political impasse.
