WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration will reduce air traffic by 10% at 40 busy airports beginning Friday , citing growing fatigue among air traffic controllers who have worked without pay since the government shutdown began Oct. 1.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford announced the cuts Wednesday afternoon, saying the move would affect roughly 3,500 to 4,000 flights daily.

The FAA has already been delaying flights at some airports because of widespread staffing shortages. The government shutdown, now in its sixth week, has taken a growing toll on controllers, who are required to work without pay until it ends. Some have taken on second jobs, and many are calling out sick.

Air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since the shutdown

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