The Trump administration’s 10% cut to flight traffic at major airports could cancel flights in and out of Bangor starting Friday.
Although Bangor International Airport is not on the preliminary list of affected airports, seven airports that offer direct flights to Bangor will likely face reductions.
The cuts, announced as the longest-ever government shutdown enters its second month, could throw Mainers’ travel plans into disarray in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, historically one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.
“We don’t know the exact impact yet, but are carefully monitoring the situation and are in communication with all of our airline and federal partners,” said Bangor airport spokesperson Aimee Thibodeau.
Affected airports with direct flights to Bangor include John F. Kennedy International in New York, LaGuardia Airport in New York, Newark Liberty International, Orlando International, Philadelphia International, Reagan National in Washington, D.C., and Tampa International.
Airlines also offer direct flights from Bangor to affected airports in Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale and Atlanta, but those flights are only offered seasonally and are not currently running.
The Federal Aviation Administration is implementing the cuts to ease pressure on air traffic control employees who are working without pay as the government shutdown continues.
Airlines — including American Airlines, which offers flights to Bangor — have said they expect most travelers’ plans won’t be affected.
The Bangor airport is encouraging passengers to download their airlines’ apps to get updates about flight changes as soon as possible, Thibodeau said.
