(VOVWORLD) -Thousands of flights across the US were delayed and canceled on Friday, following a decision to reduce air traffic amid a shortage of air traffic controllers during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
According to US flight-tracking website FlightAware, as of 5:00 PM on Friday, 4,309 flights were delayed and 1,002 flights were canceled. The previous day saw over 7,000 delays nationwide.
The situation began after the US Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration announced plans to cut air traffic in 40 regions starting Friday.
Since the Federal Government shutdown began, about 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 airport security officers have been required to work without pay.