At the moment, we’re seeing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reduce flight capacity in the United States, amid the longest government shutdown we’ve seen in history. There have been a lot of questions about the extent to which these flight cuts are political rather than being based on data, so along those lines, there are some noteworthy updates…
In this post:
Sean Duffy struggles to justify approach to flight cuts
There’s no denying that our aviation system in the United States is under immense stress at the moment. I mean, it struggles under the best of circumstances, and with air traffic controllers now not getting paid for over a month, it’s leading to an increasing number of sick calls, as air traffic controllers can’t afford to come to work.
So I don’t think anyone denies that the current state of the system is challenging, and that this will get progressively messier. However, many people question the logic that the FAA is using to justify flight cuts, and wonder whether it’s really the best option for dealing with this situation.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy had an interesting interview where he was questioned about the exact logic for the flight cuts. He consistently claims that all of these decisions are data driven, but that data is not being made available. We’re not just talking about not sharing the data with the public, but he also hasn’t shared the data with airlines, or even with Congress. Instead, he has committed to sharing it “later.”
For example, in an interview, Duffy was asked about how Rick Larson, the top Democrat on the Transportation Committee, said more transparency is needed, so Duffy was prompted to share a little more data. His answer was to deflect, and say that if people are worried about the data, they should instead open the government:
“I know he’s going to ask for the data, and if I have people who want to second guess what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, I’ve done all I can to minimize disruptions in the airspace. I’m trying to get people where they want to go and get them there safely. If people want to question us, I’d throw it back at them, open up the government.”
It sure seems to me that just requesting basic data shouldn’t be a huge ask. Duffy frames this all as him not having enough time to share all this data and instead being focused on keeping the skies safe, though he does have time to walk around Washington National Airport, asking people how the shutdown is impacting them (does that American Airlines customer service agent 77 seconds into the video seem like she wants to be on camera?!).
And apparently that’s only the beginning, because he’s going to be “traveling to airports across the country asking passengers how the shutdown is impacting their travels.” Is that really the best use of his time, when he doesn’t have time to share basic safety data?
The closest I’ve seen to Duffy providing data is him claiming that there has been an increase in the number of aircraft incursions in the air and on the ground. Is that actually accurate, particularly that there has been an increase in incursions on the ground? Maybe he’s just not communicating it well, but when he explains it, he doesn’t exactly sound confident in what he’s saying.
Airline executives skeptical of logic used for reducing flights
The Air Current does an amazing job with aviation reporting, and spoke to nine senior executives across six US airlines regarding their take on the flight reduction system. While they expressed varying degrees of skepticism, “none felt the cuts were without some level of political interference.” As The Air Current reports:
Yet absent the data behind its ‘data-driven’ justification, the agency’s argument for widespread disruption for airlines and the flying public boils down to trust us, which is especially problematic in light of how the aviation system has been used as a political cudgel during the second Trump Administration.
Now, while airline executives of course care about safety, they also care more about the financial impacts of flight reductions than the government does, so that is important to acknowledge.
But part of the issue is that there’s a trust deficit here. Just several days ago, Duffy had warned that US airspace could close next week if the shutdown continues. When someone is predicting (or threatening?) that, it’s hard to not on some level question the logic.
Bottom line
We’re seeing the FAA increasingly restrict flights at major US airports day after day, forcing airlines to cancel a large number of flights. Obviously our air travel system is under pressure given how long the government shutdown has dragged on, though the logic for the approach being taken is leaving many people confused.
It doesn’t exactly instill much confidence when the Transportation Secretary claims he has the data for making these decisions, but refuses to share it even with airlines or Congress. And when he’s questioned about not sharing the data, he says that if people are concerned about the data, they should instead reopen the government.
What do you make of the lack of data being shared about flight reductions?
Update overnight: Some Democrats (who are not up for re-election) may have caved last night, expressing willingness to vote on a continuing resolution with Republicans to fund the government, until January 2026; so, Thanksgiving and Christmas travel could be ‘saved,’ workers finally get paid, but no resolution on healthcare, so those other Americans are still screwed; and probably another shutdown in early 2026, lest Republicans go ‘nuclear’ then.
What's the ole phrase: "Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory"... ah, these jokers...
Is the cut in the number of flights going to drive up fares for the benefit of the airlines' profits?
Much as described an earlier post, issues in recent years did for El Al's profits?
Sadly, these corporations will not save us. Shareholders will seek to profit off fascism, as they have done historically. We, the people, have to call this out every time; targeted boycotts of specific companies that are especially egregious exploiters are an effective response to their overreach. The people still have real power, as long as they aren’t complacent. Gotta speak out as often and as boldly as you can.
Is America great yet, Trumptards and AIPAC lovers?
Was always ‘great’… Trump is definitely making it less great; don’t worry, we’ve only begun to fight back. We will overcome this.
This is all intentional and unnecessary on Duffy's part, as he plays his part in the regime's teardown of American infrastructure. There's no reason at all for him to not refer to the relevant data, but his response makes it clear there was no data used in his decision.
Literally the folks crunching the data would have summarized it into a soundbite for the executive. He doesn't know because there was no data crunching.
...This is all intentional and unnecessary on Duffy's part, as he plays his part in the regime's teardown of American infrastructure. There's no reason at all for him to not refer to the relevant data, but his response makes it clear there was no data used in his decision.
Literally the folks crunching the data would have summarized it into a soundbite for the executive. He doesn't know because there was no data crunching.
The combination of fascist and tv host doesn't leave a lot of room for competency, as we can see across this clownshow of an administration.
Yup. All fascists do is lie, scapegoat, and break things. We, the American people, must fight back, demand better, and fix this. Hold the line.
And WHY IS IT that only the airlines are getting the squeeze from the FAA? Doesn’t GA contribute to ATC workload? Yeah this stunt might work until the carriers get tired of having the government mess with their money for brownie points!!!!
Bingo. Cut private jets, and Republicans will cave in mere hours. I hear there’s a cold going around at Teterboro… *cough*
Sorry, Tim Dunn, you don’t get to fly your Cessna either. Be grateful Delta can still operate its TATL. Noble sacrifice!
It's all about being as cruel as possible to the American people
That is Trump's intent and inflicting the most harm. Straight from the Third Reich playbook.
Dumbass Duffy needs to go back to MTV.
To some, the language of business is the only thing that matters.
From NYTimes: “The cancellations were concentrated among three of the largest carriers, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, which dominate many of the busiest airports. But those airlines focused the cuts on regional flights, many of which are operated by subsidiaries or other smaller carriers like SkyWest Airlines and Republic Airways, the two operators most affected by the cuts.”
So,...
To some, the language of business is the only thing that matters.
From NYTimes: “The cancellations were concentrated among three of the largest carriers, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, which dominate many of the busiest airports. But those airlines focused the cuts on regional flights, many of which are operated by subsidiaries or other smaller carriers like SkyWest Airlines and Republic Airways, the two operators most affected by the cuts.”
So, even if we ignored the impact on people (loss of food assistance, pay, healthcare, jobs, etc.), even ‘capital’ should be upset by all this. The shutdown is bad for business. For everyone.
Time for Republicans to earn those votes bt negotiating in good faith with Democrats on a bi-partisan budget.
Or, Trump can ‘go nuclear’ as he’s demanded the Senate Republicans do, but, watch out, because when the next Democratic administration is in-power (which will be sooner than they realize or admit), DC and PR will become the 51/52 states (more Senators!), Supreme Court will be expanded and reformed (bye-bye corrupt conservatives), Roe will be codified (yay! Healthcare for women), and we’re passing universal healthcare (yay! Healthcare for everyone), and taxing billionaires (and trillionaires) out of existence ($999,999,999 is enough!), just to as an amuse-bouche, friends.
The condition is messy at many major airports this evening. Without the 4% proactive cancellation, it would have been worse.
You’re giving off ‘the beatings will continue until morale improves’ vibes.
It doesn’t have to be this way. We deserve better. Republicans can and should ‘earn’ Democrats votes and pass a bill-partisan budget. Period. Not hard. Trump’s just a greedy, grifting, criminal, selfish, dotard.
Another incompetent, unqualifed Replublican (but super loyal, natch!)
who just melts under the spotlight.
What a clown show! I hope y'all vote the right way next year at the mid-terms to at least begin the give functioning democracy a chance.
Elect a clown, expect a circus.
Why does this surprise anyone? King Trump and his Clown Cabinet don't share anything truthful with the American public...why expect this to be any different?
Can’t wait for this second Gilded Age to be over, and a new Progressive era to clean up all these messes and actually serve the people, not just billionaires. Enough is enough.
You mean you think this administration would lie? Goodness, who would ever think such a thing
Lying used to have consequences. We need to bring those back. Transparency (through effective laws, ethics, and journalism), leads to accountability, which leads to better outcomes for the American people. We cannot fail to hold these guys accountable, like Garland failed with Trump after J6. Never again.
This is the crux of the matter.
Republicans put a lot of blame on Clinton re Lewinsky.
He did effectively lie; he should have resigned; but impeachment was not the appropriate mechanism.
The whole episode poisoned what has come since, but does not excuse the current lying.
Pardon my ignorance about the intricacies of the budget shutdown, but are the traffic controllers going to be paid back for the time they have performed their duties for free this past month, basically? Once the new budget is agreed upon, that is?
Yes, they are supposed to get back pay.
According to the king it depends on who deserves back pay so….
"Now, while airline executives of course care about safety, they also care more about the financial impacts of flight reductions than the government does, so that is important to acknowledge."
That's not true. It is like saying Boeing cares about safety. They care about safety inasmuch as it affects their profits. That's it.
Yup. And never forget that Trump 2.0 let Boeing off the hook for their murder of those hundreds of passengers in Ethiopia and Indonesia. There was already a plea deal and compensation owed to the families of those victims. Yet, Trump gave Boeing a win. Voting has consequences. Never forget. 358 days until midterms.
Can the airlines fund the wages of the air traffic controllers?
That would require legislative action, sooo...
Exactly. Considering that we have nutless mice in charge of the Republican majorities of the House and Senate, that’s probably not going to happen. Hell, Johnson is still essentially suspending the House of Representatives because he doesn’t want to swear in a new Democratic legislator.
But a bank could make loans to ATC staff, to be paid back when the back pay turns up, with a guarantee from the airlines to the bank to cover defaults.
They could; they won't.
No private jet traffic is impacted, either. If there was a serious safety issue here, TEB would be shut down and private jets wouldn't get clearance.
I hear there’s a cold going around… *cough*
Let me get this straight…
Duffy is traveling around the country, asking people how the cancellations HE imposed are affecting them? Presumably on non-canceled flights then?
Dude probably takes Air Force flights. Bunch of these folks live in military housing intended for tenured admirals/generals. Grifters gotta grift.
Probably flies in one of Noem's new DHS Gulfstreams.
Was supposed to be on Spirit's 737's. I don't wish to cast aspersions on the Cabinet member from ND, but where does she get her intelligence?
The democrats have a clean resolution sitting and waiting. They could end this and fight their funding battles at the ballot box like they should whenever they are ready.
The republicans have a clean proposal from the Democrats to extend ACA healthcare subsidies that millions of Americans rely on for affordable healthcare sitting and waiting. They could end this and lie about the opposition at the ballot box like they have in the past whenever they are ready.
Also, the majority of those millions of Americans that rely on ACA subsidies live in congressional districts that went for Trump. Dude's punishing his own people.
Extending the temporary Covid tax subsidies is not a clean CR. But, you know that don't you? "I'll just lie and hope nobody notices it" seems to be your thought process.
This comes to mind - reading comprehension. I never wrote that it was "a clean CR", I wrote that it was "a clean proposal". As for the rest of your comment, initially these subsidies were temporary COVID relief, but after four years with 24 million people depending on them and 72% bipartisan support, letting them expire during open enrollment to cause 114% premium spikes is an exceptionally shitty thing to do.
Fifty-seven percent of...
This comes to mind - reading comprehension. I never wrote that it was "a clean CR", I wrote that it was "a clean proposal". As for the rest of your comment, initially these subsidies were temporary COVID relief, but after four years with 24 million people depending on them and 72% bipartisan support, letting them expire during open enrollment to cause 114% premium spikes is an exceptionally shitty thing to do.
Fifty-seven percent of ACA marketplace enrollees live in Republican congressional districts, and of the 75 districts where at least 10% of the population has marketplace plans, 47 are represented by Republicans. This should be a bipartisan effort, and the only reason why it isn't is because the mercurial orange stained man in the White House has decided so.
Finally, maybe carefully read a comment before you decide to pop off and accuse someone of lying when there is no evidence of lying.
Maybe they are so thick and/or deep into the cult that they choose not to see what is going on.
The Rs can nuke the filibuster anytime they want and force it through. Dave your boy thinks he's a King, so maybe the bootlicking R Sens should bow down to him and just do it.
A CR that sunsets to screw the people just after the mid-term's is not "clean".
I don't feel like paying an extra $683/month on my health insurance so we can keep govt shut down. And before anyone whines about handouts, I retired 3 years ago. And before that I paid more taxes than most families of 4 makes in gross income each year and I did that for decades. Do I need the subsidies. Nope. But I know a whole lot of self employed and early retirees (their company felt 50 year old IT workers are too expensive so they got canned) who do.
Duffy is a clown who has zero ability to run the FAA.
Hey now! That's unfair...to clowns.
Most of these airline executives gave to Trump’s campaign and the RNC, and they’ve been kissing the ring for a year.
Let the leopards eat their faces.
Preach! Also get ready for the greedy little piggies (Isom, Bastian, Kirby, etc) to come a knockin' for a bailout after this.
Trump loyalty is one way and giving him your loyalty, time or money will only buy you temporary relief from his derangement. Unless you have leverage over him, he'll trample all over you and not give it a second thought if he decides to.
Trump is a self-centered piece of scum. I don't blame airlines that are smart enough to pretend to respect him.
Oh Donald. He and his people love to claim they have data and information and then not release it. Between this and and the “Sir” stories, I might start to think he's full of it. Here’s a selection from the treasury chest of tall Trump claims:
2020 Election Fraud:
* November 2020: Trump campaign hired Ken Block and Simpatico Software Systems to find voter fraud; they found none sufficient to change outcome, Trump buried...
Oh Donald. He and his people love to claim they have data and information and then not release it. Between this and and the “Sir” stories, I might start to think he's full of it. Here’s a selection from the treasury chest of tall Trump claims:
2020 Election Fraud:
* November 2020: Trump campaign hired Ken Block and Simpatico Software Systems to find voter fraud; they found none sufficient to change outcome, Trump buried findings
* 2020-2021: Trump campaign commissioned outside research firm to prove fraud; never released findings because firm disputed theories and found no proof
Epstein Files:
* June 2024: In the same interview said he'd declassify Epstein files (then immediately changed course and hedged: "you don't want to affect people's lives if it's phony stuff in there" - Fox News edited that out of the broadcast)
* February 21, 2025: AG Pam Bondi said Epstein files were "sitting on my desk"
* February 26, 2025: Bondi promised "a lot of information" to be released
* March 3, 2025: Bondi said she received a "truckload" of documents
* July 7, 2025: DOJ memo revealed Trump administration would NOT release more Epstein documents after repeatedly promising they would
JFK Files:
* January 2025: Trump signed executive order to release all JFK files
* March 19, 2025: Released ~63,000 pages but many documents remain redacted; early reviews showed little new information
* June 2025: Trump said more files coming "pretty rapidly" and "could happen within weeks" - hasn't happened
Healthcare Plan:
* 2017-2025: Repeatedly promised detailed healthcare plan coming in "two weeks" - never materialized over nearly a decade
"Sir" Story Examples (Telltale Fabrication Pattern):
* January 2017: Story about farmers/ranchers crying at water regulation signing - "Sir, you gave me back my life" - false
* July 2019: Claimed Sonny Perdue said "16 billion, sir" about China farm purchases (actual figure: $29.6 billion)
* June 2019: Iran strike story with general saying "150 people, sir" - timeline and details contradicted by officials
* 2017-2024: 26+ documented instances of "big strong men" with "tears in their eyes" thanking Trump (per Ron Filipkowski compilation)
PREACH!!
Here is what I find funny. A lot of you all want it both ways. You all kept saying how the shutdown was making air travel unsafe. How controllers were calling off and disrupting operations. Now that they cancel flights it’s all they didn’t need to. Everything was fine. Which one is it guys?
Also this isn’t directed at Lucky whose article focused on the data release. Which I agree with they should explain the data behind it.
Two things can be a little bit true at the same time, Charles. You can:
a) have strain on the ATC system
and
b) have Trump and Duffy take advantage of a little strain to disproportionately restrict air travel relative to the level of strain to gain political advantage
Without releasing the data, we just have to take their word on it. I'm not in the business of taking government or business on...
Two things can be a little bit true at the same time, Charles. You can:
a) have strain on the ATC system
and
b) have Trump and Duffy take advantage of a little strain to disproportionately restrict air travel relative to the level of strain to gain political advantage
Without releasing the data, we just have to take their word on it. I'm not in the business of taking government or business on their word - I need evidence. This is especially true with an administration that plays more circus games with the truth than any recent one.
Meh, data or not I think reducing flights is a safe thing for the foreseeable future. Not even counting the shutdown. There have been an abundance of close calls as of late. Keep on having close calls and there's going to be a major disaster sooner or later that is going to kill hundreds of people. Whether you want to blame that on ATC or not is up to you.
Exactly correct . Too many flights = too many dangerous situations .
Too many moron passengers = too many diseases being spread about .
Too much false "points benefits" = too much susceptibility to false advertising .
Cancel all flights 50% and be done with it .
Just close dca 100% and then say that no congress members are allowed to get on any flights until the government is reopened—and something will get solved real quick
They'll just take Amtrak lol. They all live close by.
Maybe then they'd finally properly fund Amtrak
The quota of flight cut does not include private flights reduction. Trump's priority is to enrich and empower as well as to protect and promote his family businesses and those of his wealthy buddies. The bloody hell with the working class and working poor.
100%
Worse than Nixon and Hoover combined.
@globetrotter: The working class voted for this senile, functionally illiterate buffoon. I have no sympathies.
I am done with travelling for the rest of the year, so frankly, I do not care about impacts to them.
Trump and the Republicans are corrupt grifters for only themselves and the billionaires. They lie, cheat, steal, project, then blame their scapegoats and perceived enemies. They aren’t even trying to govern anymore.
And remember: Trump himself said that a government shutdown means the President is weak.
The only one who isn't skeptical and takes what DOT says as hard facts is Tim Dunn.
Just ask him data to back Delta profitable routes.
Haven't you seen Candyman? Don't say his name.
He's a one trick pony - has absolutely nothing else to "offer"
To be fair, it's difficult to release something that doesn't exist.
Hahahaha go off king
They're waiting for Infrastructure Week to release the data.
Just two more weeks!
The data is currently being stored inside the Epstein Files.
Fax, no printer.
They'll release the data the same day they release Trump's healthcare plan he's been promising for a decade
Just two more weeks!
There is an obvious correct method to determine the flight cuts : (a) cut all daylight flights by 50% ; (b) stop all night flights altogether . Problem solved .
How about Republicans earn Democrats votes for a bi-partisan budget, and reopen the government, so no cancellations…
Of course the dems could vote to pass a clean CR too? Or perhaps vote to pay federal workers? As someone who is in the middle on most issues getting pretty tired of some of these comments. I get it healthcare is important but like come on.
It makes zero sense to place all the onus on the Democrats to cave on this. It take two to tango, so if the Republicans aren't willing to make a good faith effort at compromise and the Democrats are, that means the Republicans own the shutdown, they own kids and poor people going hungry, they own poor people being unable to afford healthcare, and they own mounting chaos at the airports. The Republicans are inflicting...
It makes zero sense to place all the onus on the Democrats to cave on this. It take two to tango, so if the Republicans aren't willing to make a good faith effort at compromise and the Democrats are, that means the Republicans own the shutdown, they own kids and poor people going hungry, they own poor people being unable to afford healthcare, and they own mounting chaos at the airports. The Republicans are inflicting pain on this country in a systemic manner and it all descends from the Queen, Her Majesty Donald J. Trump.
Charles, Democrats have repeatedly offered to pass a clean CR w/ a one year ACA extension - most recently Friday when Schumer proposed reopening the government with a CR plus a one-year ACA extension. Republicans called it a "nonstarter."
The issue is timing: ACA open enrollment started November 1st. If Democrats pass a clean CR now and wait for a promised healthcare vote later, 20 million people will have already seen 114% premium increases and...
Charles, Democrats have repeatedly offered to pass a clean CR w/ a one year ACA extension - most recently Friday when Schumer proposed reopening the government with a CR plus a one-year ACA extension. Republicans called it a "nonstarter."
The issue is timing: ACA open enrollment started November 1st. If Democrats pass a clean CR now and wait for a promised healthcare vote later, 20 million people will have already seen 114% premium increases and dropped coverage. By the time any vote happens, the damage is done.
Republicans control the White House, House, and Senate. They can pass their CR with the nuclear option without Democratic votes. Or they could negotiate and include the healthcare extension now. They're choosing to do neither.
When one party has all the power but manufactures a crisis instead of governing, that's not "both sides." Healthcare is important, and it's also urgent. It’s hard to tell if Republicans just don’t care, don’t have the courage of their convictions, or if there are some other motive behind, allowing millions of Americans to twist in the wind rather than govern responsibly.
Must be satire as this is preposterous.
It has escaped no one that the flight reduction was announced just after Dems won a slate of elections and just in time for Thanksgiving. And don’t anybody “don’t bring politics into this” me, acting as if these people won’t use everything in their toolbox to advance their agenda
You Americans brought this unto yourselves. Maybe it’s time to spin off FAA into an independent, regulated entity like Canada did, creating Nav Canada. Do the...
It has escaped no one that the flight reduction was announced just after Dems won a slate of elections and just in time for Thanksgiving. And don’t anybody “don’t bring politics into this” me, acting as if these people won’t use everything in their toolbox to advance their agenda
You Americans brought this unto yourselves. Maybe it’s time to spin off FAA into an independent, regulated entity like Canada did, creating Nav Canada. Do the same for TSA and allow for private competition.
It has escaped no one that there are too many flights , too high fares , and greed run abundant . The Feds ought not be stick with the infrastructure and controller costs to enable this .
Alert, politely, reducing the number of flights will not reduce fares. Also, too many flights relative to what?
There are too many flights and fares are too high? Wouldn't more flights lower fares?
No, privatization is not the answer. Breaking it, then stealing it has always been the Republican’s trojan horse. Very sneaky!
Canada’s program is fine for them, but, the version of this in the USA would not be like theirs at all; it’d be yet another a grift.
Everyone with a conscience should reject these calls (for privatization) whenever and wherever you see someone slyly trying to promote it.
We do not want to become post-Soviet,...
No, privatization is not the answer. Breaking it, then stealing it has always been the Republican’s trojan horse. Very sneaky!
Canada’s program is fine for them, but, the version of this in the USA would not be like theirs at all; it’d be yet another a grift.
Everyone with a conscience should reject these calls (for privatization) whenever and wherever you see someone slyly trying to promote it.
We do not want to become post-Soviet, Putin’s Russia where mafioso billionaires control literally everything.
Keep infrastructure, like airports, public. Republicans just need to earn Democrats votes for a bipartisan budget. Period.
1990, Alert is clearly a shitposter because none of his comments would be seriously considered.
I'm with you on the first bit, skeptical on the second. But I won't let the perfect be the enemy of the good, well said overall.
That's actually the GOP playbook: break the basic functions of government so they have to be privatized. Elon Musk will show up ready to run the FAA and get a no bid contract to do it. Do you actually want that? Canadian flights have to go through US airspace, and safety would suffer under such an arrangement.
The current US economy is essentially a pyramid scheme for billionaires.