From the blue skies and busy tarmac, DFW Airport appeared to be running as normal on Friday, but it became one of 40 airports across the country hit with flight reductions because of air traffic controller shortages, a casualty of the ongoing government shutdown. It's been weeks without pay for many TSA agents and air traffic controllers.

"It's going to be tough, you know, because if this continues to drag out, you know, it could affect obviously Thanksgiving and Christmas," said Cinnamon Hardee.

Hardee and her colleague, Milenka Arevalo, arrived at DFW five hours early on Friday, anticipating delays and disruptions. They're hoping to make it back home to Houston.

The reduction in air traffic started at 6 a.m. Friday, with only 4% of flights cancelled so far, but that number is expected to rise to 10% within the week. DFW Airport sees around 1,800 flights per day, so a 10% cut would mean about 180 flights would be impacted daily.

Concerns over TSA staffing

"Also, the TSA situation — that's why we decided to come early just to be inside the airport and cross your fingers and hopefully we can make it out today this afternoon," said Arevalo.

Danny Eaton, a traveler from London, has been trying to get home for two days. He arrived at DFW three hours early on Friday.

Flight cancellations add to frustration

"Coming here was OK, but yesterday left San Diego expected to get a flight yesterday evening, which got changed probably five times, and then finally, about 10:30 at night, it got cancelled," Eaton said. "It's a bit frustrating more than anything else."

According to FAA guidelines, the government order will not impact international flights — only domestic. But travelers say the effects are being felt globally.

As of 3:30 p.m. Friday, DFW had over 30 cancellations and over 80 delays. Friday, Love Field also saw dozens of flight delays and cancellations.  

Global impact felt by travelers

"Employees are also being affected there in Mexico, and also we need to think about, like, next year having the World Cup and everything," said Alejandro Nava, who lives in Mexico.

Flyers like Eaton are urging others to plan ahead: "Be prepared for some disruption."