Sequestration Could Affect Arkansas Air Travel

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The FAA announced it may shut down some air traffic control facilities in Arkansas as part of a $600 million reduction in expenditures for the current fiscal year.

Those locations could include Springdale, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Rogers, and Texarkana. In addition to shutting down air traffic control facilities, the FAA may eliminate the overnight shift at the Little Rock tower.

In a letter from Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, the FAA is also considering furloughs for a majority of their 47,000 employees. The furloughs would be for about 1 day per pay period.

The furloughs and facility shutdowns would begin in April and run through the end of the fiscal year, which is in September.

LaHood tells travelers to expect delays up to 90 minutes for those going to major cities. He also expects airlines to change their schedules and cancel flights.