Travelers flying to or from San Diego International Airport could experience flight delays or cancellations starting Friday as the cutbacks in flight capacity began at 40 major airports nationally.

Thousands of flights have been cancelled or delayed across the United States, as the country continues to feel the pinch after the U.S Secretary of Transportation took the unprecedented steps to shave up to 10% of all scheduled flights to release the pressure put on air traffic controllers during the federal government shutdown.

The FAA has reduced flights at major airports, blaming the federal government shutdown. What happens if airlines cancel your flight.

FAA cut 4% of flights at 40 U.S. airports today, escalating to 10% next week. 800+ canceled, 1,000+ delayed. Controllers work unpaid, risking safety.

Travelers told News 5 this was the highest volume of traffic in the airport that they have seen since pre-pandemic.

Several airports that send flights to Palm Beach International Airport could see flight cancellations amid the federal government shutdown.

With air traffic controller shortages forcing a reduction at 40 major airports, airlines are making strategic decisions about which routes to cut.