ORLANDO, Fla. — Starting Nov. 7, the Federal Aviation Administration plans to cut air traffic by 10% in 40 major markets across the country — including Orlando International Airport.

The move comes as staffing shortages grow during the government shutdown.

What You Need To Know

The FAA has announced it will reduce air traffic by 10% in 40 major markets nationwide starting Friday

The move is meant to ease pressure on unpaid air traffic controllers during the ongoing government shutdown

Orlando International Airport confirmed it will be one of the airports impacted by the cutback

Experts say the cuts should help make travel more predictable and safe heading into the holidays

Officials at Orlando International Airport confirmed in a statement that the airport would be one of those affected, saying in part:

“Based on a report from Airports Council International-North America, an organization that supports and advocates for airports, MCO is identified as one of the 40 U.S. airports that will have flight reductions beginning Friday (tomorrow). This may mean fewer arrivals and departures, which could help slow the rate of activity in the national air space system and assist airports that are experiencing staffing challenges.”

Professional Aviation Safety Specialists regional VP Douglas Lowe said this reduction should help make operations run smoother and alleviate pressure, but said the situation should not have gotten this far in the first place.

“That’s a safety protocol, that’s planning forward and saying, ‘We recognize that our workforce has been keeping it going for 36 days-plus, but there are a few of them that will not be able to keep coming in,'” he said. “’We don’t want to be in this situation, we don’t want to have the flying public feel this, but it is our duty to keep it safe, and that is what we’re going to do.’”

Michael McCormick, associate professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, said that during the shutdown, airports and passengers couldn’t really plan ahead for staffing reductions, but this move should alleviate that pressure — especially going into the holiday season.

“I think one of the important advantages of this announced 10% reduction is that it provides predictability to the airlines, it provides predictability to the passengers,” he said. “What this should do for the holiday season, it should eliminate the unplanned, unpredictable delays up into this point from the government shutdown.”

Experts advise travelers to plan ahead and consider purchasing travel insurance in case cancellations or delays occur.

Airlines like Delta, Southwest, United and Frontier have already announced they are complying with the FAA’s directive and are reducing flights accordingly.