Passengers flying through Charlotte Douglas International Airport could face fewer flights starting Friday, as the Federal Aviation Administration plans a 10% reduction in air traffic across 40 “high-volume markets” due to the ongoing government shutdown, according to the AP.

The cuts follow mounting staffing pressures. Controllers have been working unpaid since October 1 and now face intense overtime six days a week, prompting increased absences and safety concerns.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said at a press briefing that the move is proactive, not reactive — designed to preserve air-space safety as fatigue and shortages spiral.

The 10% reduction could remove as many as 1,800 flights and up to 268,000 seats across the 40 markets.

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