US to cut 10% of air traffic if shutdown persists

The Trump administration announced on Wednesday that it would cut 10 percent of air traffic in 40 of the nation’s busiest markets, in a move that analysts said would force airlines to cancel thousands of flights while the administration tries to force Democrats to end the government shutdown.

- KAROUN DEMIRJIAN

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the cancellations were an attempt to “alleviate the pressure” on air traffic controllers, who have not been paid since mid-October. He said the administration would announce the affected markets on Thursday, as the year’s busiest travel season approaches.