EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – El Paso International Airport (ELP) announced Thursday, Nov. 6 it has not received any official notice from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding possible flight reductions tied to the ongoing federal government shutdown, even as airports across the country begin scaling back operations.
In a statement, ELP officials said they are “closely monitoring developments and will share any updates as soon as information becomes available.” The airport added that its team “remains fully staffed and ready to assist passengers as needed,” and encouraged travelers to check directly with their airlines for the latest flight schedules and status.
The Associated Press reports the FAA’s “unprecedented order to scale back flights nationwide” took effect Friday morning. The move comes amid the record-long government shutdown, which has stretched beyond a month and left many air traffic controllers working without pay.
The FAA has reduce flights at 40 airports across more than two dozen states. The reductions will begin at about 4% and ramp up to 10% by November 14, impacting commercial airlines between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily.
The agency said the cutbacks are necessary to relieve pressure on air traffic controllers, many of whom have been working six-day weeks with mandatory overtime. Increasing numbers of controllers have begun calling out due to financial strain and exhaustion.
Airlines began adjusting schedules and canceling flights Thursday in anticipation of the FAA’s order, with passengers across the country scrambling to make backup travel plans.
As of Friday, it remains unclear whether flights to or from El Paso will be affected.
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