Over 5,000 flights cancelled, many delayed in America; what is the reason?
Instructions have been issued to airlines in America to reduce traffic due to US shutdown. Consequently, over 5,000 flights in the US were cancelled or delayed on Friday.
This will impact domestic flights at the 40 busiest airports. However, officials are trying to reduce the pressure on air traffic controllers.
Shortage of air traffic controllers
Airports are facing a shortage of air traffic controllers as they are either taking sick leave or working elsewhere. Because of the federal government shutdown, they are forced to work without pay.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says reductions will start at 4% of internal flights before rising to the full 10% by the end of next week - or up to 15% or 20% "if the shutdown doesn't end relatively soon" says the US transportation chief.
Several of the largest US airlines are assuring customers they'll be able to get full refunds for the cancelled flights.
More problems expected in the coming days
More problems are expected in the coming days because the FAA's order to reduce flights is still active. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy warned that if the federal government shutdown goes on for too long, the country's flight capacity could be reduced by up to 20%.
Prakash Kumar Pandey