FAA probes airlines for possible violations of flight reduction rules during government shutdown

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced it will examine whether U.S. airlines adhered to directives issued during the record-length government shutdown requiring flight reductions. The instructions were issued in November, after the shutdown had persisted for a month, amid concerns about dwindling air traffic control staff at major airports.

The emergency mandate impacted 40 key airports across the country, calling for flight reductions ranging from 3% to 6% per airline until the shutdown concluded on November 12.

In a letter sent to carriers on Monday, the FAA warned that airlines could face fines of up to $75,000 for each flight that exceeded the mandated limits during the shutdown period. Airlines have been given 30 days to demonstrate compliance with the flight reduction requirements.

During the 43-day shutdown, many air traffic controllers, like other federal employees, were not receiving pay, causing significant staffing shortages and raising safety concerns. On November 5, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford held a press briefing to explain the necessity of these flight cuts.

The FAA lifted the restrictions on November 16, four days after the government resumed operations. Despite a required 6% reduction on November 14, only 2% of flights were actually canceled, according to Cirium, a flight data analytics company.

The flight reductions also resulted in substantial financial losses for airlines. Delta Airlines, for example, reported a $200 million loss between November 7 and November 16 while the mandate was in effect. Over 10,000 flights were canceled nationwide during the nine-day enforcement period.

Author: Chloe Ramirez