WASHINGTON: US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Friday he could force airlines to cut up to 20 percent of flights if the government shutdown did not end, as US airlines on Friday scrambled to make unprecedented government-imposed reductions. The Federal Aviation Administration instructed airlines to cut 4 percent of flights on Friday at 40 major airports because of the government shutdown. The cuts will rise to 10 percent by November 14.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Wednesday afternoon that he will be reducing flight capacity by 10% at 40 major airports.

Sean Duffy says cuts at 40 locations to reduce stress on air traffic controllers and will start Friday if solution not found