URGENT UPDATE: Starting October 6, 2023, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Ontario International Airport (ONT) will see a 10% reduction in flight capacities due to ongoing government shutdown measures. This drastic cut aims to alleviate staffing pressures affecting air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay since the shutdown began on October 1.
Passengers should anticipate immediate notifications regarding cancellations, with many facing disruptions to their weekend travel plans. Airlines are working to minimize impacts, but the situation remains fluid as reports indicate that 40 high-volume airports across the U.S. will be affected.
During a news conference, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that the FAA is implementing these reductions to ensure safety amid increasing absenteeism among controllers, who are feeling the strain of unpaid work. “There will be frustration,” Duffy noted. “But our priority is to maintain safety in our airspace.”
The list of impacted airports, which includes major hubs such as Atlanta, Denver, and Miami, was leaked to media outlets before its official release. In total, up to 1,800 flights and approximately 268,000 passengers daily could be affected. Notably, LAX is one of the busiest airports globally, with over 75 million passengers in 2023 alone.
ONT officials have acknowledged the situation but have not confirmed specific cuts. They stated, “We’re closely monitoring the situation and are ready to support our airline and federal partners.” Meanwhile, smaller airports in Los Angeles County did not appear on the list but may experience secondary impacts as travelers seek alternative options.
As the shutdown continues, air traffic controllers have already missed one paycheck, raising concerns about widespread chaos if the situation persists. “We’re in new territory in terms of government shutdowns,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “These measures are unprecedented.”
Travelers are urged to check with their airlines immediately for updates on their flights. With the potential for further disruptions looming, the aviation industry, along with major airlines and unions, is calling for a resolution in Congress to end the shutdown.
This developing situation is expected to evolve rapidly as the weekend approaches. Stay tuned for further updates as we monitor the fallout from this urgent government shutdown and its impact on air travel nationwide.
