Newark Liberty International and Teterboro airports are scaling back operations after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered flights cuts due to staffing shortages related to the longest government shutdown U.S. history.
Operations are being reduced by 4% Friday and will increase to 6% by Tuesday and hit 10% by Nov. 14. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said cuts could jump to 20% by Thanksgiving if the government doesn’t reopen.
The disruptions and warnings are causing concern among industry groups and unions ahead of the looming holiday travel season. The FAA said airlines must issue full refunds to passengers whose flights are cancelled, while travelers are urged to check their flight status frequently before heading to the airport.
