WASHINGTON U.S. airlines warned that a partial federal government shutdown could strain American aviation and slow flights , as air traffic controllers and security officers would be forced to work without pay and other functions would be halted.

The shutdown would also lead to hundreds of air traffic control trainees in Oklahoma City to be furloughed.

Airline trade group Airlines for America, which represents United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and others, warned that if funding lapses, "the system may need to slow down, reducing efficiency" and impacting travelers.

The FAA said that under its shutdown plan released in March it would not be able to conduct air traffic controller hiring or field training of air traffic controllers.

Delays at FA

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