U.S.

airlines are cancelling flights at airports across the country after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered the cuts due to staffing shortages amid the ongoing government shutdown.

It's the longest, by the way, in U.S.

history.

Operations are being scaled back at Newark and Teterboro airports along with Philadelphia, JFK and LaGuardia.

The FAA says it's all a proactive move after seeing signs of stress on the system in order to make sure that flights that remain are able to take off safely.

Operations are being reduced 4 percent Friday, ramping up to 6 percent by Tuesday and 10 percent by next Friday, November 14th.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says cuts could jump to 20 percent by Thanksgiving if the government doesn't reopen.

The disruptions and those warnings are causing concerns among industry groups and unions ahead of the busy holiday travel season.

Under the FAA order, airlines have to issue full refunds to passengers whose flights are canceled.

Travelers are being urged to check their flight status frequently before heading to the airport and to be prepared for possible last-minute changes.

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