PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The FAA is slashing 10% of air traffic in 40 high-volume airports starting Friday, including Phoenix Sky Harbor , as the government shutdown enters its 37th day.

Air traffic controllers have worked without pay for weeks, creating staffing and safety concerns that prompted federal officials to reduce flight operations.

“I’ve never seen this before,” said Tim Kiefer, a retired air traffic controller who spent more than two decades on the job.

Travelers face mounting delays

Passengers arrived at Sky Harbor hours early Thursday, expressing anxiety about reaching their destinations.

“Tons of anxiety,” said Jennifer Lockwood, who arrived three hours early with her 13-year-old son. “It’s nerve-wracking.”

Barbara Price said she was concerned about flight reliability b

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