Travelers using Kennedy and LaGuardia airports Friday will likely feel the weight of fewer air traffic controllers willing to work without a paycheck as a Federal Aviation Administration order aimed at easing their workload by reducing air traffic ramps up.

Trimming air traffic by 10% at both New York City airports, Newark Liberty and 37 others considered among the busiest nationwide is the goal, according to the FAA.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has characterized the cuts as critical to reducing the strain on air traffic controllers who have been working without pay since the shutdown began Oct. 1.

"Some of those who don’t show up continue to not show up," Duffy said Wednesday at a news conference, "which means we have those who come to work, they’re working longer hours, wo

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