MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — On day 36 of the government shutdown -- now the longest in U.S. history, frustrations are mounting and travelers continue to feel the fallout.
Air traffic controllers are still working without pay and many are putting in mandatory overtime hours.
Now the Federal Aviation Administration says it will reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 high-volume markets.
Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport are on the list.
“I feel that the government needs to negotiate and get back on track with the people,” MIA traveler Robert Edwards said Wednesday.
Travelers, like Edwards, who was heading back to New York, say they’re surprised the shutdown has dragged on this long.
“It’s going to be chaos with the airports -- a lot of delays, a lot of frustration, stress,” he said.
Miami International Airport is one of the busiest and fastest growing airports in the world with 56 million passengers flying through last year.
The reduction will mean less flights. Airlines will have to evaluate their flight schedules and brace for a wave of frustrated flyers.
And this all is happening as the holiday travel season approaches.
On Wednesday, there were 95 total delays at MIA, with 28 flights already scheduled to be cancelled on Friday.
The list of 40 airports that will see a reduction in flights was released on Thursday.
“Not going back or either being delayed or not having flights so just the unknown of are we going to be able to go back home next week,” said Ariel Blueford, who’s visiting Miami.
Reacting to the news, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava posted to X on Thursday, “The FAA’s order to reduce flight capacity directly affects Miami-Dade’s economy and prosperity. I was immediately briefed this morning by staff on potential local impacts, & continue to urge federal leaders to take bipartisan action to avoid further disruptions to our community.”
Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.
