By MATTHEW DALY, JOSH FUNK and RIO YAMAT, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday that it would reduce 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. The head of the FAA didn’t immediately identify which airports will be affected but said the restrictions would remain in place as long as necessary.

Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since the shutdown began Oct. 1, and most have been on d

See Full Page