PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - Starting Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 high-volume markets, including Portland International Airport (PDX) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA-TAC). The move is causing concern among fliers about potential flight disruptions.

Industry experts are weighing in on why this is happening and what travelers can do to prepare.

The reductions will be phased in. The FAA said a 4% reduction in operations will take effect Friday, Nov. 7, ramping up to 6% by Nov. 11, 8% by Nov. 13, and 10% by Nov. 14.

The agency cited growing employee strain during the government shutdown as the reason for the move. In a press release, the FAA stated:

“Since the beginning of the shutdown, controllers have been working wit

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