The FAA ordered airlines to cut thousands of flights as the agency deals with air traffic controller shortages during the government shutdown. The cuts began Friday morning.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said on Friday it was delaying flights at eight airports including in Atlanta, San Francisco, Houston, Washington and Newark, citing widespread air traffic staffing issues as controllers have not been paid during the government shutdown.

Follow our live coverage from Republic reporters of the effect of the federal government shutdown on air travel and Phoenix Sky Harbor flights.

San Francisco International Airport was among the major U.S. air-travel hubs to face cancellations as the federal government places limits on air travel.

The FAA said it is reducing flights in Philly and other cities to alleviate pressure on air traffic controllers amid the government shutdown.

The reductions in airspace capacity will start Friday, the 37th day of the shutdown, and just ahead of the busy Thanksgiving travel period.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is currently under a ground delay due to staffing, according to the FAA.