The Federal Aviation Administration has announced it is reducing air traffic by 10% across 40 “high-volume” markets, including San Diego International Airport, beginning Friday morning to maintain travel safety as air traffic controllers exhibit signs of strain during the ongoing government shutdown.
The cutback is expected to affect thousands of flights nationwide.
The list of airports that will be impacted reportedly includes major travel hubs such as Los Angeles, New York Laguardia, Chicago O'Hare and Phoenix Sky Harbor. International flights are not expected to be impacted.
The FAA said restrictions will remain in place as long as necessary.
“I’m not aware in my 35-year history in the aviation market where we’ve had a situation where we’re taking these kinds of measures,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said at a news conference.
Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since the shutdown began October 1st. San Diego International alone saw 338 delays last Sunday.