WASHINGTON — U.S. airlines warned on Monday that a partial federal government shutdown could strain American aviation and slow flights, as air traffic controllers and security officers would be forced to work without pay and other functions would be halted.

Airline trade group Airlines for America, which represents United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and others, warned that if funding lapses, “the system may need to slow down, reducing efficiency” and impacting travelers.

The warning about air travel highlights the latest potential collateral damage from the political dispute in Washington over government funding.

“When federal employees who manage air traffic, inspect aircraft and secure our nation’s aviation system are furloughed or working without

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