Four of the 40 airports affected by the FAA’s flight reductions are in Florida, including Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Passengers there say the news is already creating uncertainty and frustration.The reductions are tied to staffing shortages linked to the ongoing government shutdown. Federal officials say the cuts will begin around four percent and could increase to ten percent if staffing levels do not improve.“Everybody in Congress needs to put on some big boy pants and end this very quickly,” one traveler said.Airports in Miami, Tampa, and Orlando are also part of the reduction plan. Some travelers heading home internationally say they are worried about missed connections.“I am an American, but we live in London,” another traveler said. “We’ve got a few flights getting back to New York and then getting back to London. We’re hoping everything will be fine, but it is a concern.”Another concern is pay for TSA employees and air traffic controllers, who are still working without pay during the shutdown. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says that pressure is contributing to the reductions.“With regard to the shutdown, our air traffic controllers and many who work across the Department of Transportation have not received paychecks,” Duffy said. “Because of that, we have seen staffing pressures throughout our airspace. Those who travel will see more delays and cancellations. We do not want to see disruptions.”While the reductions impact Florida’s four major airports, Palm Beach International Airport is not on the affected list.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. —
Four of the 40 airports affected by the FAA’s flight reductions are in Florida, including Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Passengers there say the news is already creating uncertainty and frustration.
The reductions are tied to staffing shortages linked to the ongoing government shutdown. Federal officials say the cuts will begin around four percent and could increase to ten percent if staffing levels do not improve.
“Everybody in Congress needs to put on some big boy pants and end this very quickly,” one traveler said.
Airports in Miami, Tampa, and Orlando are also part of the reduction plan. Some travelers heading home internationally say they are worried about missed connections.
“I am an American, but we live in London,” another traveler said. “We’ve got a few flights getting back to New York and then getting back to London. We’re hoping everything will be fine, but it is a concern.”
Another concern is pay for TSA employees and air traffic controllers, who are still working without pay during the shutdown. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says that pressure is contributing to the reductions.
“With regard to the shutdown, our air traffic controllers and many who work across the Department of Transportation have not received paychecks,” Duffy said. “Because of that, we have seen staffing pressures throughout our airspace. Those who travel will see more delays and cancellations. We do not want to see disruptions.”
While the reductions impact Florida’s four major airports, Palm Beach International Airport is not on the affected list.