CHICAGO – The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday it was taking the extraordinary step of reducing air traffic by 10% across 40 “high-volume” markets beginning Friday morning to maintain travel safety as air traffic controllers exhibit signs of strain during the ongoing government shutdown .

The cutback stands to impact thousands of flights nationwide because the FAA directs more than 44,000 flights daily, including commercial passenger flights, cargo planes and private aircraft.

RELATED: FAA reducing air traffic by 10% across 40 ‘high-volume’ markets during government shutdown

While the airports and cities affected haven’t yet been announced, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has announced the company’s plans once the restrictions go into effect.

In a message to employee

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