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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has cautioned that a ten percent decrease in flight availability will begin at forty key US airports starting this Friday, if the current federal funding lapse continue.

“This is unusual, similar to how the funding gap is unusual, and the fact that our controllers haven't been paid for a 30-day period is unusual,” remarked FAA chief Bryan Bedford.

Amid the shutdown, which is now the longest in US history, controllers have been required to remain on duty without pay, prompting some to call out sick or take on secondary employment.

Affected Airports and Daily Travel Disruptions

The identities of the affected airports—all busy locations—will be announced on Thursday, officials said.

These flight reductions could affect from 3,500 and 4,000 flights daily.

Security Concerns and Operational Pressures

“There are pressures build in a way that we believe—without intervention—will allow us to continue assuring the travelers that we operate the most secure aviation network in the world,” the FAA chief stated.

The Transportation Secretary emphasized that flying remains safe, and the choice to cancel air services was taken to maintain both safety and operational effectiveness.

If the funding lapse continue and introduce additional strain to the aviation network, further limitations could become necessary, he added.

Context on the Shutdown

After federal money ran out on 1 October, the majority of government employees were furloughed and told they would be compensated when the funding resumed. Those considered essential, like controllers, however, had to continue their jobs without pay.

Almost immediately after the funding halt began, travel hubs started feeling the effects. Some were forced to halt aircraft for hours after staff took sick leave, while some locations relied on personnel from other airports.

Previous Alerts and Personnel Gaps

The Secretary had warned earlier this week that travel disruptions may be coming, as half of the nation's 30 primary airports experience staff shortages.

Duffy previously stated that there is a risk associated with air traffic controllers taking on side work amid the shutdown, and had threatened to fire controllers who do not come to work.

“They have to make a decision, do I report for duty and work unpaid and not put food on the table? Or else should I work for Uber or DoorDash or wait tables?” the Secretary remarked on a major network on Sunday.