The Federal Aviation Administration is forcing airlines to cut 10% of their flights at 40 of the busiest airports across the nation — including Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport — to reduce pressure on air traffic controllers during the ongoing government shutdown and ensure that flying remains safe.
The cuts will start to take effect on Friday.
The decision could cut thousands of flights per day.
Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since Oct. 1 — when the shutdown began — with some calling out of work, and staffing shortages during some shifts. The FAA says flight reductions will minimize pressure on air traffic controllers and promote safety.
Affected passengers should expect to receive flight cancelation notices, but all travelers should check with their airlines to see if their flight has been cut.
An alert on the Sky Harbor website says to expect delays and to confirm your flight status with your airline.
Airports that will reduce flights
1. Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Arizona
2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International in Georgia
3. Boston Logan International in Massachusetts
4. Baltimore/Washington International in Maryland
5. Charlotte Douglas International in North Carolina
6. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International in Ohio
7. Dallas Love Field in Texas
8. Ronald Reagan Washington National in Virginia
9. Denver International in Colorado
10. Dallas/Fort Worth International in Texas
11. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County in Michigan
12. Newark Liberty International in New Jersey
13. Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International in Florida
14. Honolulu International in Hawaii
15. Houston Hobby in Texas
16. Washington Dulles International in Virginia
17. George Bush Houston Intercontinental in Texas
18. Indianapolis International in Indiana
19. John F. Kennedy International in New York
20. Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas
21. Los Angeles International in California
22. LaGuardia Airport in New York
23. Orlando International in Florida
24. Chicago Midway International in Illinois
25. Memphis International in Tennessee
26. Miami International in Florida
27. Minneapolis/St Paul International in Minnesota
28. Oakland International in California
29. Ontario International in California
30. Chicago O`Hare International in Illinois
31. Portland International in Oregon
32. Philadelphia International in Pennsylvania
33. Anchorage International in Alaska
34. San Diego International in California
35. Louisville International in Kentucky
36. Seattle/Tacoma International in Washington
37. San Francisco International in California
38. Salt Lake City International in Utah
39. Teterboro in New Jersey
40. Tampa International in Florida
