CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Anxiety grows for travelers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport as nationwide flight reductions spark delays and cancellations.

Friday marked the start of the FAA's mandated flight reductions , affecting 40 airports nationwide, including Charlotte Douglas International.

The FAA has said the reduction is meant to make the skies safer as the government shutdown continues and as the agency experiences air traffic control staffing issues.

A 4% reduction in flights began Friday and will increase gradually , reaching 10% by next Friday.

Stearline and James Rucker are waiting for a flight home to Minneapolis on Friday after coming to Charlotte for a wedding.

They got to the airport as soon as they could on Friday after hearing about the flight redu

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