ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began reducing flights at major airport on Friday due to air traffic controller staffing shortages caused by the government shutdown.

At least 80 flights at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and more than 1,200 flights nationwide were canceled as of noon Friday.

Officials said it’s still safe to travel. Reducing flights will maintain safety.

“We have to take preemptive action to meet our obligation. The first one is keep the airspace safe,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

Air traffic controllers are considered essential federal employees, having to work six days a week and 10-hour days without pay during the shutdown.

Duffy said controllers are starting to burn out.

“They’ve be

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