Detroit Metro and Other Hubs Face Flight Cuts as FAA Acts on Staffing Shortages

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	Detroit Metro and Other Hubs Face Flight Cuts as FAA Acts on Staffing Shortages Li Haung - National-Politics Tell Us USA News Network DETROIT - Flight delays and cancellations are currently escalating at major U.S airports due to mandated flight reductions linked to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Beginning Friday, November 7, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered a 4% cut in flight operations at 40 of the busiest U.S. airports, with plans to increase reductions to 10% by November 14. This move aims to alleviate staffing shortages as air traffic controllers continue working without pay amid the shutdown. Already, thousands of flights have been canceled, leading to increased delays and disruptions for travelers nationwide. Airports significantly affected include major hubs such as Detroit Metro, Newark, Houston, Phoenix, and three Washington D.C. area airports (BWI Marshall, Reagan National, and Dulles International). Detroit Metro Airport is expected to see up to 10% reductions in flight operations, potentially impacting nearly 70-80 flights per day. Airlines like Delta, American, Southwest, and United have acknowledged these directives, although specific cancellation details remain vague. The reduction effort prioritizes safety and aims to manage the pressure caused by air traffic controller shortages and other operational challenges exacerbated by the shutdown. Travelers are advised to regularly check with airlines for flight status updates and prepare for delays, especially as the holiday travel season approaches. Airlines expect cancellations to rise throughout the weekend, with an impactful cumulative effect if the shutdown continues. Delays are being compounded by factors such as staffing shortages among TSA workers, increased air traffic volumes post-pandemic, and ongoing infrastructure upgrades at airports. In summary, flight disruptions will likely intensify with the FAA's stepwise flight cuts, leading to cancellations, longer wait times, and increased delays at multiple airports nationwide. Passengers should be prepared for inconvenience and stay informed through their airline's communications.