FAA Cuts 10% of Flights at JFK, Newark, LaGuardia Starting Friday

URGENT UPDATE: Starting this Friday, October 13, 2023, the FAA will implement a 10% reduction in air traffic at New York’s major airports, including JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia. This drastic move comes amid a critical staffing shortage exacerbated by the ongoing federal government shutdown, which is now entering its sixth week.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford confirmed the cuts on Wednesday, emphasizing that these reductions will affect 40 high-volume airports nationwide due to a worsening staffing crisis in air traffic control facilities. The FAA has not yet released a complete list of impacted airports, but sources indicate that Teterboro Airport, serving smaller, non-commercial flights, is also included.

As travel disruptions loom, New York’s airports are bracing for an influx of passengers seeking alternative arrangements. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees these airports, acknowledged reports of flight reductions but has not received any formal notification from the federal government.

The effects of this flight cutback could severely impact travelers as air traffic controllers face the daunting task of managing reduced operations without compensation. A spokesperson for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) highlighted the growing stress among their members, with many seeking side jobs just to make ends meet.

“

We are the rope in this tug-of-war game,”

stated NATCA President Nick Daniels, addressing the situation at LaGuardia last week. “As the pressure mounts, our controllers are thinking about how to have a side job instead of about safety.” This raises critical concerns about the safety of air travel as controllers juggle financial struggles with their responsibilities.

With the FAA’s announcement set to take effect in less than 48 hours, travelers are urged to stay updated on their flight status and prepare for potential cancellations or delays. The upcoming days will be pivotal as airport officials, airlines, and the public navigate these unprecedented operational changes.

As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the FAA and air traffic control facilities to see how they manage the impending restrictions and what further implications may arise from the ongoing shutdown. Stay tuned for updates as we monitor this critical situation affecting millions of travelers nationwide.