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Transit Secretary Sean Duffy has cautioned that a 10% reduction in air travel capacity will take effect at forty major US airports beginning Friday morning, should the ongoing federal funding lapse continue.

“It is unusual, similar to how the funding gap is atypical, and the reality that our air traffic staff are working unpaid for a month is unusual,” stated FAA chief Bryan Bedford.

During the funding impasse, which is now the most extended in US records, controllers have been obligated to remain on duty uncompensated, prompting some to call out sick or take on side jobs.

Affected Airports and Per-Day Travel Disruptions

The names of the impacted airports—all busy facilities—will be released on Thursday, officials said.

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

Security Concerns and System Pressures

“There are pressures build in a way that we don't feel—without intervention—will enable us to keep assuring the travelers that we operate the safest aviation network in the globe,” Bedford commented.

Duffy emphasized that flying is still secure, and the choice to cancel air services was made to uphold both safety and operational effectiveness.

Should the shutdown persist and add additional pressure to the aviation network, further limitations may be required, Bedford added.

Context on the Shutdown

Once federal money were exhausted on 1 October, most government employees were sent home and told they would be compensated when the government reopened. Those considered essential, like controllers, however, had to continue their duties unpaid.

Shortly after the funding halt began, airports began feeling the effects. Some had to halt flights for hours after staff called out sick, while others depended on controllers from other airports.

Earlier Alerts and Personnel Gaps

Duffy had alerted recently that travel disruptions may be coming, as half of the country's thirty major airports face personnel deficits.

Duffy earlier mentioned that there is a danger linked to air traffic controllers taking on additional jobs amid the shutdown, and had warned to dismiss employees who do not come to work.

“Controllers have to make a decision, should I report for duty and work unpaid and not put food on the table? Or else do I drive for Uber or DoorDash or wait tables?” the Secretary said on ABC on the past Sunday.