The ongoing government shutdown in the United States is leading to significant disruptions in air travel, with airlines expected to cut as many as one in ten domestic flights. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced plans to reduce air traffic by 10 percent at major airports starting Friday morning. This decision comes as air traffic controllers, many of whom are working without pay, have been calling in sick, resulting in delays and cancellations across the country.

As of Thursday, nearly 500 flights scheduled for Friday had already been canceled, according to flight tracking service FlightAware. The FAA's order affects more than two dozen states and includes major travel hubs such as Atlanta, Denver, Orlando, Miami, and San Francisco. In cities like New York, Houston, and Chicago, multiple airports will be impacted.

"This is going to have a noticeable impact across the US air transportation system," said industry analyst Henry Harteveldt. The FAA's decision aims to maintain safety during a peak travel period, as the shutdown has led to increased strain on air traffic controllers. The agency reported that up to 40 percent of controllers at the largest airports have not been showing up for work.

The flight reductions could affect approximately 1,800 flights and over 268,000 passengers daily, according to estimates from aviation analytics firm Cirium. The situation is further complicated by potential disruptions to package deliveries, as major distribution centers for FedEx and UPS are located at affected airports.

The government shutdown, which began on October 1, has now become the longest in US history, leaving thousands of federal workers without pay. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that continued absences among air traffic controllers could lead to mass flight delays and cancellations. "If you bring us to a week from today, Democrats, you will see mass chaos," he stated.

Airlines are currently assessing how to implement the FAA's order. American Airlines has already announced it will cut about 220 flights, while Southwest Airlines is evaluating its schedule and expects to reduce around 120 services. Delta Airlines plans to cancel up to 170 flights on Friday.

Travelers are advised to stay informed about their flight status and consider alternative travel plans. The Australian government's Smartraveller website has warned travelers to expect longer wait times at airports and potential delays in processing US visas due to the shutdown.

As the situation develops, airlines are working with the federal government to mitigate the impact on passengers. The FAA has emphasized the need for proactive measures to ensure safety in the airspace, especially as the shutdown continues to affect operations across the country.