The United States will reduce flight operations by 10 per cent at 40 major airports starting Friday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced, as the ongoing government shutdown—now in its 36th day—continues to strain air traffic control systems.

The measure, which will affect between 3,500 and 4,000 flights daily, is being described as precautionary but has no fixed end date. “We thought 10 per cent was the right number based on the pressure we were seeing,” Duffy said, adding that the move aims to preserve safety amid staff shortages.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), thousands of air traffic controllers and TSA screeners are working without pay, causing operational fatigue. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the decision was necessary to maintain the world’s safest air system.

The cutback—unprecedented during a government shutdown—could lead to delays and cancellations across the country, especially during the busy Thanksgiving travel season. Airlines for America, representing major US carriers, said it is working with the government to minimize disruptions.

The FAA assured that US airspace remains safe and fully operational but warned that prolonged staffing shortages could force additional reductions.