As the government shutdown stretches into its second week, airlines are urging travelers to brace for delays this holiday weekend. A key industry trade group representing major U.S. carriers issued a warning on Friday that air traffic controller staffing shortages are already causing slowdowns at several airports, including Burbank, California, and Nashville, Tennessee.

Airlines for America , which represents Delta, United, and American, emphasized that while air travel is still safe, the system is under stress.

"It is safe to fly, but ATC staffing shortages strain the system and cause flights to be spaced out, slowing down everything. In some cases, flights may be delayed or even canceled," the group said in a statement.

With tens of thousands of flights scheduled for the long weekend

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