Atlanta airport prepares for disruptions as FAA cuts flights

The big picture: ATL is among 40 "high traffic" U.S. airports, according to the AP, where the Federal Aviation Administration has planned to reduce 10% of flights in response to the longest-ever government shutdown.

• The cuts come as air traffic controllers and other staff are facing their second skipped paycheck.
• The cuts may start at 4% Friday before ramping up to 10% over the following few days if the shutdown continues, CNN reports.

By the numbers: If Atlanta were to see the 10% reduction carried out on Friday, flight cancellations could total 104, per data from aviation analytics company Cirium.

• That could affect more than 17,000 travelers.

What they're saying: An airport spokesperson told Axios in a statement that the airport is "operating without interruption."

• "We are aware that ATL has been identified among the airports affected by the FAA's temporary air traffic reductions related to the ongoing federal shutdown," the statement reads. "Therefore, we are preparing to activate measures to ensure that passengers who may be affected by the FAA flight reductions continue to have an optimal experience."

The FAA did not immediately respond to Axios' requests for comment Thursday morning and early afternoon.

Zoom in: Delta said in a statement it is allowing customers to cancel, change or refund their flights without penalty during the impacted travel period.

• Customers can check the airline's website and app for updates.
• "Delta expects to operate the vast majority of our flights as scheduled, including all long-haul international service, and will work to minimize customer impact while keeping safety our top priority," the airline said.

Go deeper: What to do if the FAA cuts or cancels your flight