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, aimed at addressing air traffic controller shortages, is expected to affect approximately 3,500 to 4,000 daily flights.

The FAA stated the decision prioritizes safety, citing the need to ease pressure on air traffic controllers. “My number one priority is the safety of the American people,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. The agency emphasized that international flights are not subject to the cuts.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford noted the restrictions target high-volume locations where operational strain is most severe. “This is about where the pressure is and how to really deviate the pressure,” he stated. However, the list of affected airports remains tentative, as the FAA has not issued a formal order requiring airlines to implement the reductions.

The phased cuts are scheduled to take effect Friday, with full compliance expected by next week. The agency has not yet finalized which specific airports will be impacted.