The federal government shutdown, now in its 38th day, prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to issue a temporary emergency order Thursday prohibiting commercial rocket launches from occurring during “peak hours” of air traffic.

As the shutdown enters its second month, the FAA has decided to only allow commercial space launches and reentries from 10PM to 6AM, local time. The government has to clear significant swaths of airspace for SpaceX and others,

McGhee Tyson, the fastest-growing major airport in the United States last year, is not on the FAA's list of airports that will reduce flights. However, that doesn't mean Knoxville passengers are immune to the increasing flight cancellations.

As the FAA begins grounding flights due to the government shutdown, workers who maintain the nation’s critical aviation systems say if they’re not paid soon, they may be forced to leave—potentially gridlocking U.

Secretary Duffy said there will be a 10% reduction in capacity at 40 locations across the country as staffing shortages strain the FAA amid the longest government shutdown in history.

As many as 20% of U.S. flights could be cut in the coming days if the shutdown continues, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said.