OAK, SFO flight cancellations will begin at 6 a.m. Friday

The FAA has mandated a 10% reduction in flights at 40 major airports, including Oakland and San Francisco, due to air traffic controller staffing shortages. Airlines must begin cancellations by 6 a. m. on November 7, with a phased approach to reach the full reduction by November 14. Kaley Skantz, spokesperson for Oakland airport, confirmed the unexpected nature of the order and stated that airlines are responsible for adjusting their schedules.

Alaska Airlines aims to protect smaller communities during the cuts, while Southwest Airlines will automatically rebook affected passengers. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted that air traffic controllers have not received paychecks since early October, contributing to staffing challenges. He acknowledged that travelers should prepare for additional disruptions. The emergency order raises concerns about its immediate impact on holiday travel. Passengers are advised to verify flight statuses with their airlines and utilize mobile apps for timely updates.