Just weeks before the busy holiday travel rush, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced plans to reduce air traffic by 10% at 40 major U.S. airports. The move comes as the ongoing federal government shutdown continues to strain air traffic operations nationwide.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said during a Wednesday news conference that the agency had never taken such measures in his 35 years in the aviation industry.

“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,” Bedford said.

Air traffic controllers have been working without pay since the shutdown began on October 1, many putting in mandatory overtime six days a week. The long hours and lack of compensation have left little room for other income, putting added financial pressure on workers critical to keeping the nation’s skies safe.

Industry leaders say the impact is already being felt. Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, called the situation “unnecessary and damaging,” warning that it could erode public trust in air travel.

“The shutdown is forcing difficult operational decisions that disrupt travel and damage confidence in the U.S. air travel experience,” Freeman said in a statement.

Which Airports Are Affected

According to a list obtained by the Associated Press, the flight reductions will impact some of the country’s busiest airports, including Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Atlanta (ATL), New York’s JFK and LaGuardia (LGA), and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW).

Here’s the full list of affected airports:

1. Anchorage International (AK)

2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (GA)

3. Boston Logan International (MA)

4. Baltimore/Washington International (MD)

5. Charlotte Douglas International (NC)

6. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (OH)

7. Dallas Love Field (TX)

8. Ronald Reagan Washington National (VA)

9. Denver International (CO)

10. Dallas/Fort Worth International (TX)

11. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (MI)

12. Newark Liberty International (NJ)

13. Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International (FL)

14. Honolulu International (HI)

15. Houston Hobby (TX)

16. Washington Dulles International (VA)

17. George Bush Intercontinental (TX)

18. Indianapolis International (IN)

19. John F. Kennedy International (NY)

20. Harry Reid International (NV)

21. Los Angeles International (CA)

22. LaGuardia Airport (NY)

23. Orlando International (FL)

24. Chicago Midway International (IL)

25. Memphis International (TN)

26. Miami International (FL)

27. Minneapolis/St. Paul International (MN)

28. Oakland International (CA)

29. Ontario International (CA)

30. Chicago O’Hare International (IL)

31. Portland International (OR)

32. Philadelphia International (PA)

33. Phoenix Sky Harbor International (AZ)

34. San Diego International (CA)

35. Louisville International (KY)

36. Seattle-Tacoma International (WA)

37. San Francisco International (CA)

38. Salt Lake City International (UT)

39. Teterboro Airport (NJ)

40. Tampa International (FL)

What Travelers Should Know

The flight reductions are scheduled to begin Friday and could affect up to 1,800 daily flights. The FAA is urging travelers to check directly with their airlines for the latest updates on cancellations or schedule changes.

As the government shutdown continues with no clear end in sight, travelers are being advised to prepare for possible delays and disruptions — particularly as the nation heads into one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.