Travelers planning to fly from Los Angeles, Ontario or San Diego international airports could experience flight delays or cancellations starting Friday as the U.S. Department of Transportation imposes a 10% cutback on flight capacities at 40 major airports nationally.
The cuts are the result of the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has led to staffing issues among air-traffic controllers. The controllers are considered essential workers who are instructed to continue working despite the closure, and not receiving paychecks.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Wednesday the reductions in capacity at 40 high-volume airports. According to lists obtained by various media outlets, the airports in Los Angeles, Ontario and San Diego will all be among those impacted.
Los Angeles International Airport is among the top five busiest airfields in the nation.
"I anticipate there will be additional disruptions," Duffy said during a Washington, D.C., news conference Wednesday afternoon. "There will be frustration. We are working with the airlines. They're going to work with passengers. But in the end, our sole role is to make sure that we keep this airspace as safe as possible.
"... There's going to be a 10% reduction in capacity at 40 of our locations," Duffy said. "... This is data-based. This is not based on what airline travels or has more flights out of what location. This is about where's the pressure and how do we alleviate the pressure."
Airlines have been issuing alerts to passengers to be aware of possible flight impacts.
KNX News' Jon Baird talked to passengers at LAX about possible flight delays.
"Fingers crossed fingers crossed coming back," Tamika, a traveler, said. "I was just reading it online that it might be a challenge."
She said the country has to get moving because if people don't get to travel, many won't be able to work.
United Airlines posted a message on its website stating, "We're making updates to our schedule and will let you know if your flight is affected as soon as possible, but anyone flying between Nov. 6 and 13 can request a refund or reschedule for free."
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Southwest Airlines posted a notice saying "the vast majority" of its customers will not be affected, but said anyone with flights booked through Wednesday can adjust their travel plans at no cost, "or receive a refund if they choose not to travel, regardless of whether their flight is affected."
"We will communicate directly with affected customers as soon as possible," according to Southwest.
Delta Air Lines also advised customers of flight reductions, and provided guidance for travelers about how they can change or cancel their flights without any financial penalties.
Frontier Airlines stated that it expects most of its flights to operate as planned, but it will communicate with passengers whose travel plans may be impacted by the cuts.
"Customers whose flights are canceled or delayed for more than three hours (domestic flights) or six hours (international flights) are able to rebook or to request a refund," according to the airline.
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