federal aviation administration

Trump slams air traffic controllers who called out during the government shutdown

President Trump is slamming U.S. air traffic controllers who called out of work during the government shutdown, a period during which they were forced to stay on the job without pay.

Trump expressed his frustration in a post on Truth Social Monday morning, stating that he was “NOT HAPPY” with controllers who took time off. “All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked,'” he wrote.

Some controllers have taken on second jobs, while others have called in sick. They are set to miss their second full paycheck this week. Meanwhile, Trump praised those controllers who took no time off during the longest shutdown in U.S. history, calling them “GREAT PATRIOTS” and saying he would recommend giving each a $10,000 bonus.

He added that any controllers wishing to quit shouldn’t hesitate but would receive “NO payment or severance of any kind!” and would be “quickly replaced by true Patriots.” It’s important to note that one reason for the shortage of controllers is that it takes years to train and certify new personnel.

In a subsequent post on X, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy praised “those who have worked throughout the shutdown” and said he would work with Congress to “reward your commitment.”

However, others have sharply criticized Trump’s comments. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg responded on X, saying, “The President wouldn’t last five minutes as an air traffic controller, and after everything they’ve been through and the way this administration has treated them from Day One he has no business s****ing on them now.”

Last week, the FAA announced it would reduce flights by up to 10% at 40 of the busiest airports in the country, starting with a 4% reduction implemented on Friday. These cuts contributed to major travel headaches over the weekend.

According to the flight tracking website FlightAware, there were more than 4,500 cancellations and 18,000 delays at airports across the U.S.

At Philadelphia International Airport, passenger Phill Hicks experienced multiple cancellations. His flight to West Palm Beach, Florida, was canceled and rebooked twice on Sunday. Preparing to head home for the night and return for his flight Monday morning, he wasn’t confident his flight would take off either.

“I don’t believe this ticket,” Hicks told NPR, “but I’m going to gas my truck up, and take that trip if I have to.”

Similarly, Seth Alpert faced a two-hour delay on his flight back to Columbus, Ohio. Preparing for uncertainties, he rented a car as a backup plan.

“We’ll see. The incoming flight says it’s on time, or a few minutes delayed so, you know, 50-50,” Alpert said regarding his chances.

Hicks, who was stranded at the airport for several hours before senators announced they had reached a potential deal to reopen the government, expressed frustration with Congress.

“I think little cry babies need to get together and figure it out,” he said. “People elect them to do a job. Do your damn job.”
https://www.npr.org/2025/11/10/nx-s1-5604664/trump-air-traffic-controllers-forced-time-off-bonus

Duffy warns air travel will slow to ‘a trickle’ during holiday season if govt. shutdown persists

**OAN Staff | Blake Wolf**
*2:17 PM Sunday, November 9, 2025*

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that air travel will slow to “a trickle” as Thanksgiving approaches, due to the ongoing government shutdown negatively impacting the availability of air traffic controllers.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has notified airlines to reduce flights by 6% starting Tuesday, with a further reduction to 10% on November 14th if the shutdown continues.

“We are seeing signs of stress in the system, so we are proactively reducing the number of flights to make sure the American people continue to fly safely,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said earlier this week.

Duffy also warned that flight reductions could increase to as much as 20% if the shutdown remains unresolved, which would significantly affect the public’s ability to travel during the holidays.

“It’s only going to get worse,” Duffy added, highlighting the growing concerns among travelers.

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https://www.oann.com/newsroom/duffy-warns-air-travel-will-slow-to-a-trickle-during-holiday-season-if-govt-shutdown-persists/

American Airlines CEO says the government shutdown is impacting holiday travel bookings: ‘Nobody wants to put up with hassle’

“Of course there’s an impact,” American Airlines CEO Robert Isom told CNBC on Friday when asked about the government shutdown affecting holiday bookings. “Nobody wants to put up with hassle. And, again, we’re doing everything we can to make sure our customers know, but as we get into the busiest travel part of the year, this is something that we just can’t let happen.”

Thanksgiving is just 18 days away, with the December holidays quickly approaching. “This is frustrating. We don’t need to be in this position. We’ve got to get the government back open so we don’t have to cancel flights,” Isom emphasized.

On Friday, American Airlines canceled more than 200 out of 6,200 scheduled flights, he added. So far, the airline isn’t canceling any service to smaller markets, but Isom warned that flight cancellations will rise over time. He also pointed out the broader economic impact, given how many people work in travel-related industries.

As of August, the leisure and hospitality sector employed just over 17 million people out of a total of roughly 171 million in the U.S. labor force, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This equates to about one in every ten jobs.

Flight cancellations are primarily due to a shortage of air traffic controllers during the government shutdown. These controllers are required to work without pay, but since they still must cover their expenses, many are calling out sick or taking on secondary jobs, creating a staffing crunch.

“Most of the controllers can navigate missing one paycheck, virtually none of them can navigate missing two paychecks,” Duffy told Fox News on Friday.

In response to staffing shortages, the FAA is incrementally reducing air traffic by up to 10% by next week. The agency began with a 4% reduction in flight operations at 40 major airports on Friday, which will increase to 6% by November 11, 8% by November 13, and up to 10% by November 14.

On Friday alone, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines canceled flights totaling between 3.5% and about 4%. Overall, approximately 1,000 flights were canceled largely due to the government shutdown, with hundreds more expected this weekend, according to The Associated Press.

For context, last year November and December together saw over 1.37 million domestic flights, according to the Department of Transportation.

Isom told CNBC that as flight disruptions increase, so do the challenges for the entire industry. “Managing the industry becomes exponentially harder as you increase the level of cancellations.”
https://fortune.com/2025/11/08/american-airlines-ceo-government-shutdown-holiday-travel-bookings-thanksgiving-flight-cancellations/

Democrat Breaks with Party, Backs Trump Admin on Air Traffic Reductions During Shutdown [WATCH]

Democratic Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona is siding with the Trump administration over its decision to scale back air traffic operations amid the prolonged government shutdown, which has now entered its 38th day, as reported by Fox News.

The reduction in air traffic operations is expected to increase to 10% by November 14 if lawmakers fail to reach a deal to reopen the government. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that the order was necessary to “maintain the highest standards of safety” during ongoing staffing shortages caused by the shutdown.

Among the affected airports is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which serves Stanton’s district and is Arizona’s largest airport.

“Safety must always be the highest priority,” Stanton said in a statement Thursday evening. “The decision by Secretary Duffy to reduce flights at America’s 40 busiest airports is the right call for the safety of the flying public,” he added in a post on X.

“Now it’s critical that Republicans and Democrats get together and reach a bipartisan agreement on a plan to reduce health costs and end the shutdown. Arizona deserves better, and so do the hardworking professionals who keep our skies safe.”

The shutdown has furloughed thousands of federal employees, while essential personnel—including air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers—continue to work without pay. Many have been forced to take second jobs or call out sick, placing additional strain on the transportation system.

In Washington, where two major airports are also affected by the FAA’s order, Democratic leaders are holding firm on demands that any government funding deal include an extension of COVID-19-era enhanced Obamacare subsidies set to expire at the end of the year.

Republicans have rejected tying partisan health care provisions to the budget agreement, arguing that it would further delay reopening the government. Stanton was among the House Democrats who voted against the GOP’s funding proposal when it passed the House on September 19.

His support for the administration’s safety directive now places him at odds with his party’s leadership as bipartisan Senate negotiations continue without a clear resolution in sight.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/11/democrat-breaks-with-party-backs-trump-admin-on-air-traffic-reductions-during-shutdown-watch/

The FAA’s order to cut flights nationwide due to the government shutdown is set to take effect

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected 40 airports across more than two dozen states for mandatory flight reductions, according to a recent order. These include major hubs such as Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, and Charlotte, North Carolina. In several metropolitan areas—including New York, Houston, Chicago, and Washington—multiple airports will be affected, with ripple effects likely extending to smaller airports as well.

In anticipation of the FAA’s official order, airlines scrambled to adjust their schedules and began canceling flights Thursday. Travelers planning weekend and future trips waited nervously to learn if their flights would depart as scheduled. As of now, more than 780 flights have been canceled nationwide, according to FlightAware.

Delta Air Lines reported plans to cancel roughly 170 flights Friday, while American Airlines expects to cut 220 flights per day through Monday. The FAA stated that the reductions will start at 4% and ramp up to 10% by November 14. These measures will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and impact all commercial airlines.

The FAA says the cutbacks are necessary to help relieve pressure on air traffic controllers, many of whom have been working without pay for more than a month. Many controllers are now working six-day weeks with mandatory overtime, leading to increasing callouts as financial strain and exhaustion mount.

“You can’t expect people to go in to work when they’re not getting a paycheck,” said Kelly Matthews of Flat Rock, Michigan, a frequent business traveler who has canceled most of her upcoming trips. “It’s not that they don’t want to do the job, but you can’t afford to pay for gas, your day care, and everything else.”

The order comes as the Trump administration increases pressure on Democrats in Congress to end the ongoing shutdown. Airlines have pledged to try to minimize the impact on customers, with some focusing on slashing routes to and from small and medium-sized cities.

Carriers are required to refund customers whose flights are canceled, but according to the Department of Transportation, they are not obligated to cover secondary costs such as food and hotel accommodations unless a delay or cancellation results from a factor within the airlines’ control.

Industry analyst Henry Harteveldt warned the reductions will “have a noticeable impact across the U.S. air transportation system.” The cuts could also slow package delivery services, as two affected airports—FedEx in Memphis, Tennessee, and UPS in Louisville, Kentucky—serve as major distribution centers. Notably, Louisville is also the site of this week’s deadly cargo plane crash.

*Associated Press journalists Hallie Golden in Seattle, Safiyah Riddle in Montgomery, Alabama, and Wyatte Grantham-Philips in New York contributed to this report.*
https://www.clickorlando.com/business/2025/11/07/the-faas-order-to-cut-flights-nationwide-due-to-the-government-shutdown-is-set-to-take-effect/

Death toll in fiery UPS plane crash rises to 9, with more than a dozen still unaccounted for

**Death Toll in Louisville UPS Plane Crash Rises to Nine, Search Efforts Continue**

The death toll from Tuesday night’s horrific UPS plane crash in Louisville has risen to at least nine, with more casualties expected as search efforts continue, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced Wednesday morning.

“This is going to be a tough day for Kentucky after yesterday’s deadly plane crash,” Gov. Beshear wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “The number of those lost has now risen to at least nine, with the possibility of more.” He added that, at a reunification center, 16 families have already reported loved ones still unaccounted for.

A “significant” search and rescue operation was underway overnight and continues this morning, according to Beshear. His office is scheduled to provide an update during a press conference at 11:30 a.m. ET.

**Tragedy Strikes at Muhammed Ali International Airport**

The accident involved UPS Flight 2976, which was carrying three crew members and 50,000 gallons of jet fuel. The Hawaii-bound plane reportedly lifted off from the runway with one wing on fire before flipping on its side and crashing to the ground at Louisville’s Muhammed Ali International Airport around 5:15 p.m. Shocking video from the scene shows the aircraft exploding in a massive fireball.

**Community and Company Respond**

In a statement, UPS said it was “terribly saddened” by the accident and offered “heartfelt thoughts” to everyone involved. “We will work tirelessly with state and local authorities on response efforts,” the global shipping and logistics company stated.

Authorities urge anyone with missing family members connected to the incident to contact the reunification center for assistance. Updates will continue as new information emerges from ongoing search and investigation efforts.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/05/us-news/death-toll-in-fiery-ups-plane-crash-in-louisville-rises-to-9-with-more-than-a-dozen-still-unaccounted-for/

UPS plane crashes on takeoff from Louisville, Kentucky, airport, igniting huge fire on ground

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A UPS plane crashed on takeoff from Louisville International Airport in Kentucky, igniting a large fire on the ground, officials said Tuesday.

The aircraft was departing for Honolulu when the crash occurred. Police responded to reports of the incident near the airport, specifically at the intersection of Fern Valley Road and Grade Lane, located at the southern edge of the airport.

The Louisville Metro Police Department confirmed injuries were reported in a social media post. Photos shared on social media showed a massive plume of black smoke rising into the sky.

Louisville’s police department posted on X that there was fire and debris at the scene and urged the public to stay clear of the area. Additionally, a shelter-in-place order was issued within a 5-mile (8-kilometer) radius of the airport.

Video footage from local television stations showed a large trail of flames and a thick plume of smoke extending from a parking lot as fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest updates.
https://whdh.com/news/ups-plane-crashes-on-takeoff-from-louisville-kentucky-airport-igniting-huge-fire-on-ground/

NEWSOM RIPS PRESIDENT

Gavin Newsom lashed out at Donald Trump on Monday, holding him responsible for staffing shortages during the government shutdown that left Hollywood Burbank and other airports without air traffic controllers for hours.

Air travelers faced frustrating delays and cancellations Monday evening at Burbank and other U.S. hubs as the government shutdown left air traffic control staff levels stretched thin.

“Thanks, @realDonaldTrump! Burbank Airport has ZERO air traffic controllers from 4:15 pm to 10 pm today because of YOUR government shutdown,” the Governor of California wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

At Burbank, the control tower was unstaffed for almost six hours, with flight operations instead handled remotely by Southern California TRACON, an approach and departure facility based in San Diego. However, no one in the tower had direct eyes on planes landing and taking off, causing concern among already delayed passengers.

It has been six days since the government shutdown began after the Senate failed to pass a bill to fund federal agencies. On Monday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned the shutdown would put more stress on air traffic controllers, whose jobs are already extremely demanding.

In addition to the delays at Burbank, flights out of Newark Liberty International Airport were delayed Monday evening, and Denver International Airport also experienced delays.

The Republican and Democrat camps have each blamed one another for the crippling shutdown. The standoff centers around a demand by the Democrats regarding the extension of health care subsidies. If these subsidies are cut, it may result in sharply increased costs for millions of low-income Americans.

Trump has blamed the Democrats for blocking his resolution and stated that Republicans will hold out in the stalemate. Democratic members of Congress, in turn, accused Trump and Republicans of blatantly lying about Democratic opposition to a GOP-led government funding plan, particularly concerning claims that Democrats are pushing for healthcare benefits for undocumented immigrants, who cannot legally access federal healthcare programs.

When asked for comment on the shutdown causing travel chaos at airports, the White House press office sent The Independent an automated response reading:
“Please note that responses may be delayed due to the government shutdown caused by congressional Democrats.”

The White House website also features a banner stating “Democrats have shut down the government,” accompanied by a live count of the days and hours since the closure began.

Newsom has been particularly vocal in his efforts to lay the blame for the shutdown at the feet of the Trump administration. Last week, he trolled Trump over news that work will continue on the presidential ballroom despite the government shutdown, comparing him to the historical French queen Marie Antoinette.

“TRUMP MARIE ANTOINETTE SAYS, NO HEALTH CARE FOR YOU PEASANTS, BUT A BALLROOM FOR THE QUEEN!” the California governor’s press office wrote on X, mimicking Trump’s penchant for all-caps social media rants.

During previous U.S. government shutdowns under Barack Obama’s administration, Donald Trump was a vocal critic of the president, saying the situation was “pretty sad” and that “the whole world was laughing at us.”

“Problems start from the top and they have to get solved from the top,” he said during a 2013 shutdown. “The president’s the leader and he’s got to get everybody in a room and he’s got to lead.”
https://www.the-independent.com/b2840770.html