AfA urges swift restoration of US flight capacity after shutdown ends
The disruption led to about 10,000 cancelled flights and weakened air cargo operations.
The Airforwarders Association on Thursday called for the rapid restoration of flight capacity across the United States after the end of the longest federal government shutdown, saying the disruption led to about 10,000 cancelled flights and weakened air cargo operations.
The association said the reopening of government should include reimbursement for the 1.4 million federal workers who went unpaid, an increase in flight capacity, the resumption of export licence processing and steps to restore stability for businesses and supply chains.
Speaking at the Air Cargo Americas conference in Miami, Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association, said, “We now need a rapid return to predictable operations.
“Forwarders and their customers have endured weeks of uncertainty, strained service levels, and reduced airport capacity.
“Restoring full staffing and reversing the cuts in flight capacity is essential to keeping cargo moving, protecting economic activity, and ensuring that federal employees who kept working during the shutdown are paid promptly.”
The association said escalating reductions in flight capacity exposed the fragility of the system when agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration operate with reduced resources.
Fried said forwarders need clarity on timelines for reinstating full capacity so they can maintain supply chain integrity and meet customer commitments.
The association said it will continue working with members and federal partners to support stable operations and thanked TSA staff for their work during the shutdown.
