Mayor Daniella Levine Cava statement on FAA’s flight capacity reduction and its impact on Miami-Dade County

Today, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava released the following statement on the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) flight capacity reduction and its impact on Miami-Dade County: 

“Yesterday, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a ten percent reduction in flight capacity at the busiest airports in the U.S., including Miami International Airport. I was immediately briefed this morning by the Airport Director and my senior staff on potential impacts to our area. While we understand the FAA’s role in ensuring safe and orderly operations of our national air system, this decision could have significant repercussions for our region’s economy, connectivity, and workforce. 

“Miami-Dade County is home to one of the busiest international aviation gateways in the Americas. Miami International Airport is a major economic engine for our county, the state of Florida, and the broader region. 

“The decision by the FAA comes as the latest consequence of the longest federal government shutdown in history, and prolonged disruption to air service will mean even deeper impacts. I will be working closely with the airport’s leadership, our airline partners, and the region’s business and tourism sectors to assess immediate impacts, develop contingency plans, and advocate for quick resolution. We must ensure the people of Miami-Dade — residents, workers, small businesses, and travelers — are not left paying the price. 

“Miami-Dade will remain open for business, open for travel and open for opportunity. But we also insist that any regulatory decision of this magnitude be accompanied by full accountability, clear timing, and measurable impact mitigation. Now more than ever we need the White House and Congressional leaders to achieve bipartisan decisions to ensure we avoid further disruptions to our community and reopen our federal government.  

“Congress should keep access to care without compromise, achieve reasonable fiscal concessions, and reopen the government. Americans are counting on it, and Miami-Dade’s economy depends on it.” 

Recently, Mayor Levine Cava joined the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, the Department of Emergency Management and community organizations to provide essential items and food assistance for employees at Miami International Airport (MIA) affected by the federal government shutdown. Additionally, a message from Mayor Levine Cava to federal employees serving at MIA and across the country is playing daily throughout the airport’s public announcement system.