Airlines could be fined heavily as FAA looks into missed flight reductions.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a warning to airlines that it is reviewing their adherence to an emergency order requiring flight reductions during the recent government shutdown. Airlines that failed to follow the directive could face substantial financial penalties.

According to the FAA, the review targets carriers operating more than ten daily flights at 40 major U.S. airports. The emergency order, issued on November 12, allowed fines of up to $75,000 per flight for exceeding the authorized limits.

The mandate instructed airlines to reduce flights by 4% initially, then 6%, with the possibility of cuts reaching 10%. However, the government shutdown concluded before the maximum reductions were enforced.

The FAA emphasized that these measures were crucial for passenger safety. During the shutdown, air traffic controllers were required to work without pay, and many had to take time off to secure other income. The agency has given airlines 30 days to provide proof of compliance, though it has not disclosed which carriers are under investigation.

Flight disruptions were widespread, affecting hubs in Atlanta, Newark, Denver, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles. Hundreds of flights were canceled as the administration sought to ease the workload on controllers operating without pay.

During this period, the administration offered $10,000 bonuses to controllers who did not miss a single shift, though only a small percentage qualified. Senator Tammy Duckworth criticized the policy, arguing that it pressured controllers to work even when unwell, which could jeopardize safety.

Duckworth urged the Department of Transportation to compensate all air traffic controllers who worked without pay, regardless of missed shifts, highlighting the demanding and high-risk nature of their work.

Author: Caleb Jennings