Flight traffic will be reduced by 10 percent in 40 of the nation’s markets, the Trump administration announced on Wednesday as the busy Thanksgiving holiday approaches. The move was made as the government shutdown enters its second month and air traffic controller staffing shortages have led to an increasing number of flight delays across the country.

Controllers, like Transportation Security Administration employees, are essential workers required to work during federal shutdowns without pay.

“Our sole role is to make sure that we keep this airspace as safe as possible,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy at a news conference on Wednesday, adding the reductions were data-based. “This is not based on, ‘What airline travels has more flights out of what location?’ This is about

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