The Orlando International Airport is among 40 airports that will see flight reductions starting Friday if a deal is not reached to pay air traffic controllers, according to a list obtained by national media outlets.
The Federal Aviation Administration says it will reduce air traffic by 10% across high-volume markets, an extraordinary step being taken as the government shutdown drags into its second month.
Orlando airport officials said Wednesday night they hadn’t been formally notified if they’ll be affected by the cutbacks. They encouraged travelers to check their flight status with their airline.
“If MCO is identified as one of the airports to be affected, airport officials understand the priority is to maintain safety in the national air space system,” said Angela Starke, a spokeswoman for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which oversees the Orlando airport. “Since the federal government shutdown, MCO’s operations have been minimally impacted, with few exceptions, thanks to the federal airport partners who continue to come to work.”
ABC News first obtained the list of affected airports. It includes many of the nation’s major airports, including those in Atlanta, Charlotte, Los Angeles, New York City and Washington, D.C. With more than 57 million passengers, Orlando International is the nation’s ninth busiest airport.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the step was needed to alleviate the strain being put on the system by the shutdown. Air traffic controllers have been forced to take side jobs as they work without pay, he said.
Experts predict that hundreds if not thousands of flights could be canceled, The Associated Press reported.
“I’m not aware in my 35-year history in the aviation market where we’ve had a situation where we’re taking these kinds of measures,” Bryan Bedford, administrator of the FAA, said Wednesday. “We’re in new territory in terms of government shutdowns.”
Southwest Airlines, the busiest carrier at Orlando International, advised passengers they will be notified if their flight is canceled, and in most cases, they will be automatically rebooked on the next available flight. Refunds will be available to those with flight cancellations who choose not to travel.
“We know that these FAA-imposed cancellations could impact an important moment in your life,” the airline wrote in a social media post. “We appreciate your understanding.”
Other airlines issued similar advisories. United Airlines noted that its long-haul international flights will not be affected by the slowdown, saying the focus is on regional and domestic flights.
Air traffic controllers received a partial check on Oct. 14 and missed their first full paycheck on Oct. 28, according to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.
On Oct. 30, a shortage of air traffic controllers produced widespread delays averaging nearly three hours at the Orlando airport, along with numerous cancellations. That disruption sparked fears from Central Florida tourism leaders that business could be hurt if more delays and cancellations hit the airport.
Transportation Safety Administration officers have also been working without pay. Union officials say they TSA agents are committed to showing up to work, though some have been forced to turn to food pantries for help during the shutdown.
Orlando airport experienced flight delays overnight due to lack of air traffic controllers
Other Florida airports on the list obtained by ABC News include Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Miami International Airport and Tampa International Airport.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.