The sacking of US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) staff by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) task force has led to concerns over the prospect of delays in US flights, and subsequently air freight operations.

According to one union, hundreds of FAA employees in their one-year probation period received notices of termination this month, although some other sources suggest that number has been exaggerated.

While air traffic controllers were not affected, engineers, certification, technical and support staff are amongst those to be let go.

Last week, a collective of industry stakeholders, including IATA, wrote to Congress, demanding “robust emergency funding” for the FAA to meet the needs of modern technology and to address a shortage of around 3,500 air traffic controllers.

Although air cargo operations have not since suffered any specific delays, a shortage of personnel was blamed for late departures and arrivals in the New York City area last year.

Along with reducing staff numbers, the DOGE task force now require FAA employees to submit accounts of their week to justify their employment, heightening concerns for the prospect of delays across further US airports.

As prominent air freight service providers on UK/US and Asia/US trades, Westbound will be keeping a close eye on developments.

If you have any questions regarding the above, then Westbound are here to help. So, please do not hesitate to contact us.