NEW YORK (WABC) — The FAA's mandatory reduction in service increased to 6% of flights at the nation's busiest airports, prompting airlines to cancel hundreds of flights.
By Tuesday afternoon, LaGuardia reported 61 cancellations, Newark Airport has reported 28 cancellations, and John F. Kennedy has reported 22.
Airlines at 40 U.S. airports are complying with the FAA's order to reduce flights from 4% up to 6% to safely manage Air Traffic Controller shortages.
Many airlines are offering travel waivers to customers dealing with the disruptions – for example American, which says 200 flights are already canceled Tuesday and Wednesday nationwide.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy met with Air Traffic Controllers on Veterans Day and said even when a deal is reached, he may not lift the reductions until staffing is more sufficiently restored.
"I'm concerned that we're not going to have on day one controllers come back into the towers right away," Duffy said. "I'm asking them to do that. President Trump has asked them to do that. It is their jobs and they will be paid, but it might not be immediate that they come back in."
The Senate passed legislation Monday to reopen the government, bringing the longest shutdown in history closer to an end.
The short-term funding bill would fund the government through Jan. 30, with a vote that could happen as soon as Wednesday.
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