Flight reductions hit Charlotte airport amid government

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is expected to reduce its daily flights starting Friday. These reductions could be implemented gradually, starting at 4% and eventually increasing to 10%.

Why this is important: A CLT spokesperson stated that CLT has been identified as one of 40 airports across the US affected by flight reductions. This is the latest blow to airports and their passengers amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.

According to a statement released Friday by a CLT spokesperson, the latest: "While there is currently no major impact on airport operations, passengers should expect possible delays and cancellations."

According to the flight tracking website FlightAware, 41 cancellations and 16 delayed flights were recorded at CLT as of 8:45 a.m. Friday.

By the numbers: According to an airport spokesperson, CLT has approximately 1,800 arrivals and departures daily. Approximately 90% of these daily flights are operated by American Airlines.

This airport is American Airlines' second-largest hub.

According to a statement from the airline, this reduction in American flights will result in approximately 220 daily flight cancellations at American airports. American Airlines plans to operate approximately 6,000 daily flights.

The airline said in a statement, "We expect the travel of most of our customers to be unaffected, and long-haul international travel will continue as scheduled. We will actively contact affected customers as schedule changes become available."

Quick update: On Wednesday, the Federal Aviation Administration announced that if the government shutdown, which has been ongoing for more than a month, continues, air traffic at the busiest US airports will be reduced starting Friday.

According to a report by Juliana Bragg of Axios, the FAA is expected to announce the affected airports on Thursday, after FAA officials discussed changes to their flight schedules with airlines.

Zoom in: A 10% reduction at CLT would result in 180 fewer flights.

Key Takeaway: The FAA is responsible for aviation safety. According to Alex Fitzpatrick of Axios, reducing the number of flights could ease the burden on air traffic controllers, who are facing near-zero pay for the second time amid the record-breaking shutdown.

What they're saying: According to a statement from CLT, "We have not been informed of any reductions at CLT at this time."

The statement further states that airlines operating at CLT "will make decisions on any schedule changes and notify customers directly."

CLT officials are encouraging passengers to check their flight status and arrive at the terminal two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.

On the other hand: An air traffic controller, who spoke to Axios anonymously for fear of backlash from employers, told Axios that a 10% cut wouldn't make much difference from their perspective.

"I don't know, but it seems like a political ploy to make the public more aware of the shutdown," the controller told Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick.

What's next: If the FAA deems it necessary, further cuts could occur, which could impact Thanksgiving travel later this month.