With the government shutdown in its sixth week, the FAA will cut air traffic by 10 percent across 40 high volume markets starting Friday to preserve safety amid severe controller shortages. Administrator Bryan Bedford and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said they will meet airlines to implement the plan fairly; specific airports were not named, though facilities near Dallas, Houston, Newark, and Phoenix face persistent gaps. Controllers working without pay report sinking morale and sick calls. The move could force airlines to cancel or reschedule thousands of flights daily, they said.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.