BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – As the government shutdown stretches into its fifth week, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a 10% reduction in flight capacity. This measure, which came into effect on Friday, aims to manage the strain on resources during this period.

The Tri-Cities Airport has reported that while it isn’t directly affected by this reduction, travelers using connecting flights may experience some disruptions. On Friday, representatives from News Channel 11 engaged with Tri-Cities Airport to discuss their situation amidst these changes.

Kylie Toler, a spokesperson for the Tri-Cities Airport, shared that they have faced a total of four cancellations due to the capacity cut—both a departure and an arrival from Charlotte Airport, as well as a departure and an arrival from Atlanta Airport.

Despite these cancellations, Toler assured that business at the Tri-Cities Airport continues to operate normally. “Everything is looking to be on time,” Toler stated, though she advised travelers to remain vigilant. “That could change at any moment, so we always encourage checking the flight status.”

Toler said business at the Tri-Cities Airport will remain as usual.

“Everything is looking to be on time. But that could change at any moment. So we just always encourage checking the flight status,” said Toler.

Toler urged that those traveling during this time keep in contact with their airline for any updates.

News Channel 11 did speak with individuals who had flights booked before the Nationwide Flight Reduction.

One individual traveling to Myrtle Beach said her primary concern is safety.

Dr. Jeanne Herbert said she questions where the cutbacks will focus — whether on communication towers or TSA agents —and what it will look like for the safety of individuals coming in and out of airports.

“I try not to focus on that that much. I’m a little angry. Like, ‘why aren’t you taking care of these people that are working to make sure that we’re safe?’ You know I don’t understand that,” Herbert said. “So you’re expecting them to do their job for free because someday they may get their backpay? That angers me as a tax paying citizen.”

Herbert said the middle ground for both parties involved in the shutdown needs to be found soon for the safety of those working without pay and those traveling.

Another traveler, Adria Shannon, said her flight plans were made before the announcement and that she, along with the person she is traveling with, has been checking their phones nonstop and closely watching their apps in case of any changes to their flight plans.

Shannon said that if she typically flies out of Tri-Cities Airport, she arrives an hour before her flight, but today she added an extra hour. Shannon said she is more worried about what her flight back to the Tri-Cities may look like.

“On the flip side, coming home, you know we have jobs we have to get back to. So that’s something we’re going to have to face on the way back is hoping that everything stays on schedule, or even if we’re delayed, that we don’t have to worry about missing our work,” said Shannon. “That’s been the the biggest concern for sure is making sure we’re back in time for our daily lives.”

Shannon said that if the shutdown continues to drag on, she may start seeking other travel options, such as driving.

The 40 airports that the cuts will impact are listed by the FAA. To see those airports, click here.