Flight reductions hit Charlotte airport amid government shutdown
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Charlotte Douglas International Airport is expected to cut its daily flights starting Friday. Cuts may be introduced gradually, starting at 4% and ultimately ramping up to 10%.
Why it matters: CLT "has been recognized" as one of 40 airports affected by impending flight reductions across the U.S., a CLT spokesperson said. It's the latest hit to airports and their passengers as the federal government shutdown drags on.
The latest: "While there are currently no major impacts to airport operations, travelers should anticipate possible delays and cancellations," according to a Friday statement from a CLT spokesperson.
- There have been 41 cancellations at CLT as of 8:45am Friday and 16 delays, according to flight tracking website FlightAware.
By the numbers: CLT sees roughly 1,800 arrivals and departures per day, according to an airport spokesperson. Roughly 90% of those daily flights are operated by American Airlines.
- The airport is American Airlines' second-largest hub.
- American's reduction across U.S. airports will amount to roughly 220 canceled flights per day, according to a statement from the airline. American plans to operate around 6,000 total daily flights.
- "We expect the vast majority of our customers' travel will be unaffected, and long-haul international travel will remain as scheduled," according to a statement from the airline. "As schedule changes are made, we'll proactively reach out to customers who are impacted."
Catch up quick: On Wednesday, the Federal Aviation Administration announced a reduction in air traffic at the busiest U.S. airports starting Friday if the government shutdown, which has stretched on for more than a month, continues.
- The FAA is expected to announce impacted airports Thursday after FAA officials have met with the airlines to discuss changes to their flight schedules, Axios' Julianna Bragg reports.
Zoom in: A 10% reduction for CLT would cut 180 flights.
Between the lines: The FAA is responsible for aviation safety. Reducing the number of flights may help ease the burden on air traffic controllers, who are approaching their second $0 paycheck amid the record-setting shutdown, according to Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick.
What they're saying: "We have not been notified of any reductions at CLT at this time," according to CLT's statement.
- Airlines operating at CLT will "determine and communicate any schedule changes directly to customers," the statement continues.
- CLT officials continue to encourage passengers to check their flight status, and to be in the terminal two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
The other side: One air traffic controller, who spoke to Axios anonymously for fear of employer retribution, told Axios 10% cuts won't make a major difference from their perspective.
- "I don't know this, but it feels more like a political move to get the public to feel more impacted" by the shutdown, the controller told Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick.
What's next: More cuts could follow if the FAA deems them necessary, potentially affecting Thanksgiving travel later this month.
This is a developing story and will be updated.