FAA reducing air traffic by 10% across 40 markets on Friday

The Federal Aviation Administration says it plans to reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 “high-volume” markets beginning Friday morning to maintain safety during the ongoing government shutdown. The reduction stands to impact thousands of flights nationwide. Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since the shutdown began Oct. 1. With some calling out of work, staffing shortages during some shifts have led to flight delays at a number of U.S. airports. Citing growing staffing pressures, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said Wednesday that the agency would not wait for a crisis to act. He says a list of the affected markets will be released sometime Thursday.