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Sequester Cuts at ABIA Will Be Minimal

KUT News

The automatic federal budget cuts known as the sequester are scheduled to go into effect tomorrow.

It would mean a change at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, but one that most of us may not notice.

ABIA could lose a federally employed air traffic controller at a time of night when there are generally no commercial flights, according to a list the FAA released last week.

“One of the items on it was eliminating the overnight shift of some airports,” said airport spokesman Jim Halbrook. “Austin’s tower was on that list. The airfield will still be open for use.”

Smaller, municipal airports like those in San Marcos and Georgetown could lose all control tower operations.

Planes could still take off and land at those airports, just without help from the tower.

Trey Shaar is an All Things Considered producer, reporter and host. Got a tip? Email him at tshaar@kut.org. Follow him on Twitter @treyshaar.