How FedEx is preparing for flight cuts at Memphis, airports across country due to shutdown

Memphis-based FedEx is keeping a close eye on how its operations could be impacted by flight cuts at airports across the country due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Memphis International Airport is on a reported list of 40 major U.S. airports that face a 10% reduction in flights. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the flight cuts on Nov. 6 but did not specify which airports would be affected or how long the restrictions would last.

In terms of passenger travel, Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford told CEOs of major airlines the cuts would start at 4% on Nov. 7. They will then rise to 5% on Nov. 8 and 6% on Nov. 9 before hitting 10% next week.

While the proposed list includes a host of busy passenger airports in major cities and airline hubs, it also includes airports with heavy cargo traffic. Thanks to the presence of the FedEx World Hub, Memphis International is the busiest cargo airport in North America and the second-busiest in the world behind Hong Kong International Airport.

FedEx employs more than 11,000 employees at its Memphis hub and has more than 34 million square feet of space under lease on airport property. The logistics giant operates almost 400 flights per day and handles more than 180,000 packages and 245,000 documents per hour at its Memphis hub.

FedEx shared the following statement on Nov. 6: “We are monitoring the FAA’s plans to adjust flight capacity across the U.S. and are developing the necessary operational modifications to ensure our shipments continue to move safely and swiftly through our network. Our contingency plans will flex our integrated air and ground network to help protect time-sensitive, critical shipments such as lifesaving pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other products moving through our network.”

FedEx noted that a majority of its flight operate at night, outside of the FAA-restricted daily timeframe. The FAA’s plan also looks to exempt international flights.

“As always, safety remains our top priority,” FedEx said in its statement.

The cuts come days after Duffy warned air travel could be disrupted due to the mounting pressure on the country’s air traffic controllers. The government shutdown, which has lasted 37 days, has forced about 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 security screeners to work without pay.