The United States Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, stated on Tuesday that the Department would only cancel the order issued last week to reduce flight capacity by 10% at 40 major airports nationwide for the duration of the government shutdown when data indicates it is necessary to do so.
During a press conference held on Tuesday, Duffy mentioned, “We are at a point where we can potentially reopen the government. I am concerned that we may not have air traffic controllers back in the towers on day one. I am asking them to do so. President Trump has asked them to do so. That is their job, they will get paid, but they may not come back immediately.”
“So, we will observe, analyze, and encourage them to come back,” he added. “But again, we will start easing restrictions – currently at a 6% reduction – only when data (safety indicators) show that we should do so.”
Despite the US Senate passing a funding bill on Monday night, signaling an end to the longest government shutdown in US history, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the flight reduction rate increased to 6% on Tuesday and is set to reach 10% by the weekend.
The Department of Transportation announced on November 5 that starting from the morning of November 7, flight capacity at 40 major airports across the country would be reduced by 10% to ensure flight safety during the government shutdown. By this Monday, airlines had already canceled about 8,000 flights in compliance with the FAA’s directive, representing a 4% reduction.
Duffy stated during Tuesday’s press conference that from this past weekend to Tuesday, the shortage of air traffic controllers had significantly improved as controllers seem optimistic about receiving their salaries soon.
“Saturday, Sunday, Monday were very challenging travel days, with a lot of cancellations and delays,” Duffy told reporters. “However, today is much better. More air traffic controllers are coming to work.”
He noted that even with the government reopening, the flight reduction measures in place at the 40 major airports would continue, with the reduction rate rising to 10% by Friday. Duffy emphasized that this decision is based on safety data.
Duffy also mentioned that following the end of the government shutdown, air traffic controllers would receive 70% of their back pay within 24 to 48 hours, with the remaining pay arriving within a week of the government reopening.