(NEXSTAR) – The longest government shutdown in American history is taking its toll on air travel. Starting on Friday, airlines operating at 40 airports have been ordered to progressively cut the number of flights they operate.

The cuts are necessary, the Federal Aviation Administration said, to alleviate pressure on air traffic controllers who have been working without pay during the federal government shutdown. The workers are instructed to continue coming into work, but some are struggling to make ends meet as they miss paychecks. In some cases, they are calling in sick to pick up gig work or a second job.

The Department of Transportation and FAA ordered airlines operating at the designated "high traffic airports" to start by cutting 4% of their flight volume on Friday, Nov. 7.

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