The Federal Aviation Administration reduces air traffic by 10% on 40 routes due to pressure on air traffic controllers, affecting thousands of flights.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a 10% reduction in air traffic on 40 high-volume routes, starting Friday, as an extraordinary measure to ensure the safety of travelers. This decision comes in the context of pressures felt by air traffic controllers, who have been working unpaid since October 1, following the government shutdown. The reduction could affect thousands of daily flights, considering that the FAA coordinates over 44,000 flights a day. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized that he has never encountered such a situation in his 35 years of experience in aviation. Air traffic controllers have been forced to work overtime, and the staff shortage has led to delays at U.S. airports, with some being laid off or seeking other job opportunities due to financial frustrations.