Starting Friday, Orlando International Airport must reduce flights under a new FAA emergency order aimed at easing stress on air traffic control.

Orlando International Airport is one of 40 airports having to reduce flights by ten percent because of the government shutdown.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the 40 U.S. airports reducing air traffic at the request of the FAA.

"The reduction in flights is likely to impact passengers, and we ask travelers to check directly with their airlines regarding delays and cancellations," MCO said. "Orlando International Airport will be fully staffed to assist passengers as much as possible during this time."

Passengers can expect average delays of nearly three hours, the FAA said, warning that at some point all flights into Florida’s busiest airport could be halted.

MCO (Orlando International Airport) shares live security wait times for TSA lines and parking. CHECK OUT WESH:Stay in the know with the latest Orlando, Florida, news, weather and sports. Get the top stories and all the scores from the team at WESH.

Flights are delayed at Orlando International Airport due to an issue with staffing air traffic controllers, and a federal advisory says at some point Thursday night, there will be no certified air traffic controllers at all.

The Aviation Authority is organizing the collection of non-perishable food items and $10 gift cards to support these workers. Donations can be made at two locations: Orlando International Terminal C departure curb and Orlando Executive Airport.