The FAA will cut air traffic by 10% at 40 airports to protect safety during the government shutdown, a step that could cancel thousands of flights nationwide. Five California airports — Los Angeles International, Ontario International, San Diego International, Oakland International and San Francisco International — are on the list. Agency administrator Bryan Bedford called the move unprecedented as the shutdown enters its second month. Nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers have been working unpaid, prompting fatigue concerns. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he acted before staffing pressures compromised safety, a decision NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy publicly endorsed.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.