By Solange Reyner | Saturday, 08 November 2025 02:38 PM EST
Hawaii’s Transportation Department has requested an exemption from mandated flight cuts, citing the state’s “unique reliance on air travel” for commerce, healthcare, and national security. Transportation Director Edwin Sniffen emphasized in a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy that Hawaii is “the nation’s most isolated population center,” with no viable alternatives to air travel. He warned that imposed restrictions would cause “immediate and severe harm” through disrupted medical access, cargo movement, food security, military operations, and economic stability. Sniffen thanked FAA and TSA workers for continuing to operate without pay but stressed the need for a waiver conditioned on direct funding for personnel to maintain flight schedules and public safety. The FAA announced plans to reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 high-volume markets, affecting thousands of flights daily as controllers face staffing shortages due to the government shutdown. Restrictions will persist until alleviated, with some airports experiencing delays amid workforce strain.
Hawaii Seeks FAA Exemption from Flight Cuts Amid Government Shutdown Strain
