BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — The federal government announced flight reductions starting Friday due to a shortage of air traffic controllers during the ongoing government shutdown, raising concerns for travelers.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the cuts aim to keep air travelers safe as fewer air traffic controllers show up to work. Some controllers are seeking other employment due to a lack of payment during the shutdown.

"I do not want them taking side jobs, I want them to show up for work, I've asked them to show up for work, but I'm not naive to understand that they're trying to figure out how they meet their daily obligations," Duffy said during a press conference earlier this week.

The reductions will affect 40 major airports, starting with a 4% reduction on November 7, r

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