SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane International Airport remains unaffected by the federally ordered reduction in air traffic, while 40 other airports face cuts starting tomorrow (Friday).
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will slash about 10% of flights at these airports, affecting many travelers.
Airlines have already canceled 500 flights for Friday, with 1,000 delays reported, particularly impacting Chicago O’Hare’s airport.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac) is one of the affected airports. Travelers there are advised to arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights.
The reduction comes during a historic government shutdown, leading to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers. Duffy explained that controllers have missed their second paycheck, creating pressure and fatigue.
“If the shutdown continues into the holidays, people should expect significant delays,” Duffy said. “It’s really hard to navigate a full month of no pay missing two pay periods.”
Duffy noted that while safety will be prioritized, timely flight departures remain uncertain. He advised travelers to continue booking flights but warned that it would take time to return to full staffing, even if government funding resumes.
“If you’re at the airport and your flight is canceled, you should be able to rebook at no charge,” Duffy said. “If you get canceled and don’t want to take the trip, or you found another route, the airline is legally required to give you a refund but not additional compensation for food and lodging.”
Spokane International Airport encourages travelers to download airline apps for updates despite not being directly affected by the cuts.
As the situation unfolds over the next 48 hours, travelers are urged to stay informed about potential disruptions.
