American Airlines flights stage on the tarmac at Reagan Washington National Airport as the U.S. government shutdown continues in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., October 8, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday ordered airlines to cut domestic flight operations by 4% at 40 high-traffic airports starting at 6 a.m. ET (1100 GMT) on Friday, citing safety concerns about air traffic control during the government shutdown.

Reuters first reported details of the plan, citing a draft order. The FAA said in the final order it is requiring 4% cuts at 40 high-traffic airports through Monday before requiring them to cut 10% starting Nov. 14. The FAA is also imposing restrictions on space launches but not imposing any cuts on international flights.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)