Aviation expert is self-grounding himself ‘until the government is back at work’ amid travel cuts at SEA

Nov 6, 2025, 1:08 PM | Updated: 3:22 pm

Exterior of Sea-Tac International Airport (Photo: Wacamerabuff via Flickr)

(Photo: Wacamerabuff via Flickr)

MyNorthwest.com

As expected, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is on the list of 40 major airports where the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is cutting travel by 10% due to the federal government shutdown.

The FAA said Wednesday that it was taking the extraordinary step of reducing air traffic by 10% across 40 “high-volume” markets, including Seattle, beginning Friday morning to maintain travel safety as air traffic controllers exhibit signs of strain during the ongoing government shutdown.

The cutback stands to impact thousands of flights nationwide because the FAA directs more than 44,000 flights daily, including commercial passenger flights, cargo planes, and private aircraft. The agency didn’t immediately identify which airports or cities would be affected, but said the restrictions would remain in place as long as necessary.

“I’m not aware in my 35-year history in the aviation market where we’ve had a situation where we’re taking these kinds of measures,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said at a news conference.

Air traffic controllers are working long hours without pay. Many are calling in sick, prompting safety concerns. Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since the shutdown began Oct. 1, and most have been on duty six days a week while putting in mandatory overtime. With some calling out of work due to frustration, taking second jobs or not having money for child care or gas, staffing shortages during some shifts have led to flight delays at a number of U.S. airports.

“This shouldn’t be happening,” Aviation analyst Scott Hamilton told KIRO Newsradio. “That should never have happened.”

Hamilton has been critical of the Trump Administration and members of Congress — of both parties — who aren’t willing to compromise.

When asked whether he thinks the shutdown is affecting the safety of air travelers, Hamilton shared that he won’t be flying until the government shutdown is resolved.

“I have not flown since the third week of October, and I have decided to self-ground myself until the government is back at work,” Hamilton said. “That should tell you volumes right there.”

AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz advised travelers to watch for flight updates on the airline’s app and airport social media accounts. She also recommended allowing plenty of time at the airport before a scheduled flight.

“It’s frustrating for travelers, because there’s not much you can do. At the end of the day, you either fly or you don’t,” she said.

The cuts could represent as many as 1,800 flights and upward of 268,000 seats combined, according to an estimate by aviation analytics firm Cirium.