The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released a preliminary list of 40 airports set to experience a 10% reduction in flight capacity starting Friday. The measure is projected to affect approximately 3,500 to 4,000 daily flights.

“This data-based decision is designed to alleviate pressure on our air traffic controllers required to keep the skies safe,” a statement from the USDOT Rapid Response X account said. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized, “My number one priority is the safety of the American people.”

The FAA highlighted that international flights are excluded from the cuts. A spokesperson stated, “Our sole role is to make sure that we keep this airspace as safe as possible. Reduction in capacity at 40 of our locations. This is not based on light airline travel locations. This is about where the pressure is and how to really deviate the pressure.”

The restrictions will begin Friday morning, with airlines expected to reach full compliance by next week. The FAA has not yet formally identified which airports will be affected, though the list remains subject to change. The decision comes as air traffic controllers face prolonged work without pay due to the ongoing government shutdown.