A combination of staffing shortages linked to the ongoing federal government shutdown and a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) order to limit operations at major U.S. airports has led to widespread delays and cancellations over the past 24 to 48 hours.

Transportation officials said the federal shutdown has led to "staffing triggers" at facilities nationally, leading to "strain on the system."

Follow our live coverage from Republic reporters on the effect of the federal government shutdown on air travel and Phoenix Sky Harbor flights.

Travel chaos is mounting as the federal government shutdown forces the Federal Aviation Administration to reduce air traffic by up to 10% at 40 major U.S. airports, including BWI Marshall Airport,

North Texas lawmakers are voicing strong concerns over flight reductions and delays at DFW International and Dallas Love Field. The travel chaos is a direct result of the record-long government shutdown,

At roughly 9:30 a.m., the Federal Aviation Administration extended its early morning ground delay until 3:59 p.m. and reported an average delay at SFO on inbound flights of 1 hour and 54 minutes. However, some flights could be delayed for nearly 5 hours, according to the FAA.

Flights to Houston Hobby Airport are being held at their original airports for more than two hours in some cases. There was also a delay for flights to Bush Airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration has announced a 10% reduction in flight capacity across 40 major U.S. airports