Flight reductions begin Friday at dozens of U.S. airports amid air traffic controller shortages due to the government shutdown.

A small percentage of domestic flights were canceled on Friday, but Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the reductions, which were already going to increase next week, could sharply rise by the holidays if the shutdown continued.

It’ll be a disaster in aviation,” Duffy exclaimed. “October is a slower, air travel month, and we have great weather in October.”

Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said airlines are "going to lose millions of dollars" after the FAA instituted flight reductions due to the shutdown.

According to ABC News, Duffy stated that the closure, which is currently tied for the longest shutdown in American history at 35 days, would compel him to close off specific areas of American airspace

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says phased flight cuts aim to reduce risk during the government shutdown.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned flight reductions could double if the government shutdown drags on, while frustrated fliers from coast to coast are facing travel chaos. NBC News’ Maggie Vespa reports.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy joins Fox & Friends to discuss the Federal Aviation Administration’s 10% flight reduction plan, air traffic controller shortages, and how the prolonged government shutdown could disrupt holiday travel nationwide.