Washington: The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has directed airlines to reduce domestic flight operations by 4% at 40 major airports starting Friday, citing air traffic safety concerns during the ongoing government shutdown.
According to Bahrain News Agency, in its final decision issued Thursday, the FAA stated that the 4% reduction will remain in effect until Monday, after which the rate will increase to 10% beginning November 14. The administration emphasized that this measure is necessary to maintain safety standards amid reduced staffing levels.
The FAA also announced restrictions on space launch operations as part of the safety measures, while international flights will remain exempt from the reductions. This decision comes as part of the agency's efforts to manage air traffic control resources effectively during the government shutdown, ensuring that safety is not compromised.