TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) --The Federal Aviation Administration announced that starting Friday, flights will be reduced by about 10 percent in 40 of the busiest airports, including at Tampa International Airport.

Officials say this step is meant to preserve safety during the federal government shutdown.

“In the end our sole role is to keep this airspace as safe as possible,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

They say the move is to preempt worsening conditions, but airlines warn the impact could ripple into delays, cancelled flights and travel headaches ahead of the holiday rush.

“I am not concerned about my travel as far as safety. I'm more concerned about cancellations. When I get to my location, I can't get home,” said TPA traveler Frank Zepedis.

Officials say they’re concerned ov

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