Bay Area airports contend with federal flight reductions

The Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Sean Duffy, announced at a Wednesday press conference that airlines would have to decrease their number of flights by 10%, with the first increment starting on Friday at 40 airports across the country — with decisions being made according to “FAA data.”

Duffy said the government shutdown has forced air traffic controllers to work several jobs to generate income, thus compromising their ability to effectively direct aircraft.

“I do not want them to take side jobs, I want them to show up for work,” Duffy said at the press conference. “I am not naive to understand that they’re trying to figure how they meet their daily obligations.”

Duffy said the reduction in flights will help to lighten the load on air traffic controllers and other federal employees as they remain without pay during the longest government shutdown in history. He said it was imperative that measures be taken to lower the risk of human error.

Airports across the Bay Area remain uncertain whether they are subject to the reduction in flights. The FAA and U.S. Department of Transportation have yet to release an official list of airports and guidance to officials.

However, Oakland International airport and San Francisco International airport are speculated to be a part of the 40 facilities expected to see a reduction in flights.

Kaley Skantz, spokesperson for OAK, said the airport will remain at full staffing levels while they prepare for further guidance.

“As of now, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has not formally indicated whether Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) will be included among the airports that may experience passenger service cuts beginning tomorrow, November 7,” wrote Skantz in an email statement.

Similarly, SFO spokesperson Doug Yakel said the airport would work with its airline partners as they also await news from the FAA.

“We are aware of the FAA’s publicly stated intention to reduce air traffic but have not received any direct notification from the FAA. Ultimately, each airline will determine how to comply with the FAA order, and we know they will make every effort to proactively notify their affected customers,” Yakel said.

Other Bay Area airports remain have said they are monitoring the operations at other airports in the case it impacts them.

Monterey airport’s Interim Executive Director Chris Morello said that even though they are not on the speculate list of airports, they could still be impacted as a small airport with flights to major hubs.

Major airlines have made announcements that they have cut flights and urge their customers to check with them.

United Airlines, the largest carrier at SFO, announced they would be cutting domestic flights to comply with the FAA’s request, however, their international flights and connections between their hubs will not be affected.

Southwest Airlines, the major player at OAK, said they will be refunding customers for cancellations as they work to optimize their flights.

American Airlines said they cut nearly 220 daily flights but will continue to have an estimated 6000 operating.

Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, said in a written statement that the 55,000 members of the union agree that taking precautions is the utmost priority for the flying public.

“Safety is not a political game,” Nelson said. “The only way aviation keeps moving during a shutdown is because air traffic controllers and TSA officers come to work without getting paid, while everyone who supports their work for our safety and security is sent home without pay. Cutting capacity is a regular tool used to keep aviation safe when increased risks are present.”

During this time of flight disruptions, especially before the holidays, the aviation industry is urging people to be proactive and contact their airlines directly for more information.