In a development that has sent shockwaves through the American aviation system, a sweeping directive from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has triggered widespread disruption across the skies, terminals and airline operation rooms. Amid the ongoing US federal government shutdown, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) under the Donald Trump administration has ordered major carriers to sharply reduce domestic routes, leaving airlines such as American Airlines racing to restructure schedules and hundreds of thousands of travellers uncertain about their plans. Pointing to severe staffing shortages among unpaid air traffic controllers during the longest funding lapse in US history, officials say the cuts are necessary. But many warn the crisis now highlights a troubling crossroad of aviation, politics and public disruption.
