By Michael Katz | Wednesday, 05 November 2025 05:39 PM EST
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Wednesday that flight capacity at 40 major U.S. airports will be reduced by 10% starting Friday morning if the government shutdown persists. The decision follows growing concerns over safety and operational strain on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Duffy emphasized the need to address systemic pressures during a news conference with FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, referencing Tuesday’s fatal United Parcel Service jet crash in Louisville, Kentucky. However, he did not disclose specific details about the affected airports. The 36-day government shutdown has left air traffic controllers without pay for nearly five weeks, leading many to skip shifts or take second jobs.
“Our priority is to ensure safety,” Duffy stated. “We are implementing measures to reduce risks in the national airspace. There will be disruptions and frustration, but our sole focus remains on maintaining the safest aviation system possible.”
The 10% capacity reduction applies to locations experiencing the most pressure, not based on flight volume or origin. Duffy warned that further actions, including potential airspace shutdowns, may follow if the stalemate continues into next week.
FAA officials acknowledged challenges in monitoring safety metrics, citing fatigue among controllers and reports from commercial pilots. Bedford noted that while overall system efficiency remains stable, localized pressures require targeted interventions. These include restrictions on space launches and “Visual Flight Rules” traffic in specific markets.
When questioned about the 10% figure, Bedford explained that multiple scenarios were evaluated, with decisions based on safety data and operational needs. He added that adjustments could be made if necessary.
Michael Katz is a Newsmax reporter with over 30 years of experience covering news, culture, and politics.
