WASHINGTON >> U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed today that he would order a 10% reduction in scheduled air traffic at 40 major airports starting Friday unless a deal to end the federal government shutdown is reached.

The shutdown, now in its 36th day, has forced 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers to work without pay. This has worsened staff shortages, caused widespread flight delays and extended lines at airport security screening.

“We had a gut check of what is our job,” Duffy told reporters, explaining why he made the decision.

The move is aimed at taking pressure off air traffic controllers. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration also warned that it could add more flight restrictions after Friday if further air

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