HOUSTON – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered airlines to reduce flights nationwide, including at Houston’s two major airports, as part of a safety measure tied to ongoing staffing shortages during the federal government shutdown.
According to the FAA, airlines are required to scale back scheduled departures and arrivals at about 40 high-volume airports by up to 10 percent through mid-November. The agency said the measure is temporary and designed to “maintain safe operations” as thousands of air traffic controllers continue to work without pay during the shutdown.
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FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the reduction plan was implemented after internal data showed a rise in controller fatigue and safety-related reports. “We are seeing stress in the system, and this is a proactive step to make sure the American people continue to fly safely,” Bedford said in a public briefing released by the agency.
Houston impact
In Houston, flight tracking data reviewed by the FAA shows that since the order took effect Friday morning, Nov. 7, more than 260 flights have been canceled between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). The FAA said cancellations were largely concentrated on short-haul domestic routes, while international and long-haul hub-to-hub flights remain unaffected.
The FAA reported that delays have also increased as airlines adjust to the reduced airspace capacity. The agency’s command center indicated that weather and staffing continue to be the primary contributors to delays in Houston, Atlanta, and Dallas–Fort Worth.
Nationwide effect
Nationwide, more than 790 flights were canceled Friday as airlines began complying with the federal order, according to data compiled by FlightAware and referenced by the Associated Press.
Major carriers, including United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, said they are offering refunds or rebooking options for affected passengers.