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Boston’s Logan Airport has been named as one of the nation’s top airports subject to an FAA-imposed 10% cut in air traffic coming in response to the federal government shutdown and increasing pressures on air traffic controllers who are being forced to work without pay. In a statement, Massport, which operates Boston Logan International said the hub “has been named as one of 40 airports that may experience a reduction in flights in order to maintain the operational safety of the nation’s airspace.” Traffic reductions are set to take effect on Friday, Nov. 7. Experts predict hundreds if not thousands of flights could be canceled. The cuts could represent as many as 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats combined, according to an estimate by aviation analytics firm Cirium. “We are awaiting more information from the FAA on which flights will be impacted,” the Massport statement continued. “For those traveling over the next few days, we do anticipate delays and cancellations and strongly urge passengers to check with their airline before coming to the airport.” Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since the shutdown began Oct. 1. Most work mandatory overtime six days a week, leaving little time for side jobs to help cover bills and other expenses unless they call out. Mounting staffing pressures are forcing the agency to act, said FAA administrator Bryan Bedford. Wednesday at a news conference. “We can’t ignore it.” “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,” Bedford said Wednesday. “We’re in new territory in terms of government shutdowns.” Major airlines, aviation unions and the broader travel industry have been urging Congress to end the shutdown, which on Wednesday became the longest on record. The shutdown is putting unnecessary strain on the system and “forcing difficult operational decisions that disrupt travel and damage confidence in the U.S. air travel experience,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman in a statement. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned on Tuesday that there could be chaos in the skies if the shutdown drags on long enough for air traffic controllers to miss their second full paycheck next week. Duffy said some controllers can get by missing one paycheck, but not two or more. And he has said some controllers are even struggling to pay for transportation to work. Massport said state officials are still looking for more guidance from federal officials. “Our federal partners have continued to come to work admirably under challenging circumstances, and we remain in close communication with them, as well as with our airline partners, to minimize disruptions and keep passengers informed,” Massport said. — Material from Associated Press contributed
