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Transit Chief Sean Duffy has cautioned that a 10% reduction in air travel capacity will take effect at 40 major US airports beginning Friday morning, if the current federal funding lapse not end.

“It is rare, just as the shutdown is unusual, and the reality that our air traffic staff haven't been paid for a month is unusual,” remarked FAA head Bryan Bedford.

Amid the funding impasse, which is now the longest in US records, controllers have been required to continue working without pay, prompting some to take sick leave or seek secondary employment.

Impacted Locations and Per-Day Travel Cancellations

The identities of the impacted airports—each high-traffic facilities—will be released on the coming Thursday, officials confirmed.

The cancellations may impact from 3,500 and 4,000 flights daily.

Security Concerns and System Pressures

“There are strains build in a way that we believe—if we allow it to go unchecked—will enable us to keep assuring the travelers that we operate the safest aviation network in the globe,” Bedford stated.

Duffy emphasized that air travel remains safe, and the decision to cancel flights was made to maintain both safety and operational effectiveness.

Should the shutdown persist and add more pressure to the aviation network, further restrictive measures may be required, he added.

Context on the Shutdown

After government funds were exhausted on 1 October, the majority of government employees were furloughed and told they would be paid when the government reopened. Those deemed critical, like controllers, though, had to continue their duties without pay.

Almost immediately after the shutdown began, airports began experiencing the effects. Some had to ground flights for hours after air traffic controllers took sick leave, while others relied on controllers from other airports.

Earlier Alerts and Staff Gaps

Duffy had warned earlier this week that travel disruptions were likely, as half of the nation's 30 primary airports experience personnel deficits.

Duffy earlier mentioned that there is a risk linked to aviation staff pursuing side work amid the funding lapse, and had threatened to fire controllers who fail to report for duty.

“Controllers have to make a decision, do I report for duty and not get a paycheque and struggle to provide? Or else should I drive for Uber or DoorDash or wait tables?” Duffy said on a major network on Sunday.