The Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA ) is ordering airlines to cut about 10% of flights at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports beginning Friday in response to ongoing staffing shortages among unpaid air traffic controllers during the federal government shutdown.

FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker said the move is meant to relieve pressure on the national airspace system and keep it operating safely amid rising signs of fatigue among air traffic controllers. He said the step is precautionary and intended to prevent safety problems before they occur.

“We’re not waiting for a safety problem to manifest itself,” Whitaker said during the press conference. “We’re acting proactively to keep the system safe.”

The FAA is short about 2,000 air traffic controllers nationwide, and nearly

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