MINNEAPOLIS — Stress levels are higher than normal Friday at MSP Airport as an FAA mandate to reduce flight numbers kicks in.

At least 30 incoming and outgoing flights had already been scratched as of 6 a.m. Friday, with the potential of more throughout the day. Across the country, at least 1,000 flights were canceled, according to FlightAware.

As of 3:30 p.m., that number had jumped to at least 36 canceled incoming and outgoing flights.

The upheaval follows a federal directive issued on Friday to reduce flight numbers by 4% in order to take pressure off overburdened air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay since the government shutdown 38 days ago. That number is expected to grow to 10% by next Friday if a funding agreement cannot be reached by lawmakers.

Travelers a

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