Hundreds of air travelers won’t be taking off from CVG as scheduled today, with more canceled flights expected into next week.
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is among the dozens of major U.S. airports to be hit with sudden flight cuts. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the decision this week, saying flights would be reduced at 40 major airports starting Friday, including major hubs in New York, Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas. Flight cuts are expected to begin at 4% on Nov. 7, rising incrementally to 10% over the following week.
“We thought 10% was the right number based on the pressure we were seeing,” Duffy said in a news conference.
The cuts come as many air traffic controllers are choosing to stay home rather than work without pay amid the government shutdown, resulting in staffing shortages across the country.
National Transportation Safety Board Chairperson Jennifer Homendy defended Duffy’s decision as a matter of public safety in a post on X.
“Low air traffic control staffing levels, mandatory overtime, and six-day work weeks have a direct impact on #safety,” the post reads, in part. “Controllers are dedicated safety professionals (thank you for your continued service), but pressures are building in the system.”
What’s canceled in Cincinnati?
As of Friday morning, CVG’s website lists at least seven departing flights that have been canceled for Nov. 7.
Destinations include:
- Philadelphia
- Boston
- Chicago
- Atlanta
- Newark
“We are monitoring the situation and remain in close communication with our airline and federal partners,” reads a Thursday night press release from CVG.
CVG is asking all travelers to check the status of their flights before coming to the airport.
“If there is a change and you need to reschedule, it will be easier to do so from home through your airline’s app or website than at the airport.”
Four arriving flights were also listed as canceled, including from airports in Chicago, Newark and Atlanta.
Click here to check the latest cancellations and delays at CVG.