FAA Cuts Flights at 40 US Airports: Impact on Canadian Travel Revealed

Canadian travelers planning to visit the United States over the coming days should check their flight statuses. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a reduction of 10% in air traffic across 40 major U.S. airports, potentially leading to cancellations and delays that may affect Canadian flights.

FAA Flight Reductions Due to Government Shutdown

Beginning Friday, the FAA will implement flight reductions starting at 4% and ultimately increasing to 10% by November 14. This decision comes in response to an ongoing federal government shutdown, which is affecting air traffic controller operations across the country. The shutdown has persisted for 37 days, the longest in U.S. history.

Key Details of the Flight Reductions

• Type of flights affected: Domestic flights at 40 major airports.
• Flight reduction timeline: Starting with 4% on Friday, reaching 10% by November 14.
• Operational hours affected: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time.

Affected Airports and Impact on Canadian Travel

Critical airports across the U.S. include those in major cities like New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. These cuts could impact up to 1,800 flights and approximately 268,000 seats.

• Airports impacted include:
• Atlanta (Hartsfield-Jackson International)
• Chicago (O’Hare and Midway)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• New York (JFK and LaGuardia)
• Miami (Miami International)
• San Francisco (SFO)

Canadian airlines, such as Air Canada and Porter Airlines, operate thousands of cross-border flights weekly. While Air Canada has indicated that their regular schedule will continue, the airline acknowledges potential delays for those connecting to United Airlines flights. Porter Airlines is also experiencing disruptions due to FAA staffing shortages.

Travel Recommendations

Travelers are urged to remain informed about their flight conditions. Here are some recommendations:

• Check flight status regularly, especially for connections.
• Be prepared for potential cancellations and delays.
• Consider alternate travel dates or routes, if possible.

Conclusion

This recent FAA announcement highlights the interconnected nature of North American air travel. Even Canadians flying to the U.S. could see their travel plans affected. It is advisable for travelers to monitor the situation closely and stay updated on any changes to their flights.