Hawaii Seeks FAA Exemption to Maintain Air Travel Amid Strain on Controllers

By Solange Reyner | Saturday, 08 November 2025 02:38 PM EST

Hawaii’s Transportation Department has requested the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant an exemption from mandated flight cuts due to the state’s “unique reliance on air travel.” In a Thursday letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Transportation Director Edwin Sniffen emphasized that Hawaii is the nation’s most isolated population center, with no viable alternatives to air travel for commerce, healthcare, or national security.

“Imposing these restrictions would inflict immediate and severe harm,” Sniffen wrote, citing risks to medical access, cargo movement, food security, military family wellness, economic stability, and the state’s commitment to funding critical workers. He acknowledged the dedication of FAA and Transportation Security Administration staff “who continue to show up for work without pay, safeguarding our airports, economy, residents, visitors, and military operations.”

Sniffen urged approval of a targeted waiver, contingent on Hawaii directly funding essential personnel, to maintain full flight schedules, protect public safety, and avoid damage to the state’s strategic interests. “We respectfully ask for your immediate approval of this waiver,” he concluded.

The FAA announced Wednesday it would reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 “high-volume” markets starting Friday to ensure travel safety as air traffic controllers face strain during the ongoing government shutdown. The cutback threatens thousands of flights nationwide, impacting over 44,000 daily flights, including commercial, cargo, and private aircraft. The restrictions will remain in place as needed.

Air traffic controllers have worked without pay since the shutdown began on Oct. 1, often working six days a week with mandatory overtime. Staffing shortages due to frustration, second jobs, or financial strain have caused flight delays at multiple U.S. airports.