Skies stay clear at Lunken Airport despite looming sequestration cuts

CINCINNATI - As much of the nation braces for the effects of sequestration, small and midsize airports could be among the first to bear the brunt of the budget cuts.

According to a CNN report, the Federal Aviation Administration will close 173 air traffic control towers at small and medium-size airports on April 7. Federal officials told tower operators that 16 other towers will be closed on Sept. 30.

Lunken Airport Manager Fred Anderton said those cuts will not have an effect at the municipal airport.

Anderton said those FAA cuts largely effect towers that are publicly operated.

The Midwest Tower Association -- a private contractor -- operates the air traffic control tower at the Lunken Airport.

Many of the travelers flying in and out of Lunken are corporate employees and Anderton said those smaller corporate flights can be more nimble when flying to congested areas.

Anderton said when he checked aviation-related message boards on Tuesday, most of the posts seemed to indicate that the effects of the cuts have been minimal so far.

According to the CNN report, the airports that will be affected by the cuts will be able to stay open as many planes can land without the help of air traffic controllers.