LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Airlines are cutting flights at 40 major airports under a Federal Aviation Administration mandate, causing widespread travel disruptions across the country.

More than 1,700 flights were canceled nationwide from Friday through Sunday. At Clinton National Airport, two arrivals from Charlotte were canceled Friday, along with three departures to major U.S. cities, as staffing shortages at air traffic control facilities continue to ripple through the system.

Some travelers reported smooth trips despite the nationwide issues.

“I left from out of Miami and everything was fine, right on time,” said traveler Cathy Hoff. “I walked right through — there was no waiting.”

Others faced significant delays.

“Yesterday a lady — it was like a five-hour delay. She was very upset about it,” Jalonda Dawson, an airport employee, said.

Russell Wilson, who flew into Little Rock, said TSA delays nearly derailed his trip.

“We started in Tampa this morning and there was about an hour delay due to TSA issues,” Wilson said. “We barely made our connecting flight — we landed with about eight minutes, and fortunately the Southwest personnel were very helpful.” He added that he “saw several cancellations and a lot of delays.”

Flight cuts are expected to climb to 6% by Nov. 11, 8% by Nov. 13, and up to 10% by Nov. 14. If the shutdown continues, reductions could reach 20% overall.

Erma Bridges, a travel agent preparing for her own upcoming flight, said she’s watching the situation closely.

“I’m flying on Thursday, and you know, I have second thoughts about it — but I’m going to wait as the days go on,” Bridges said.

The FAA says it is working to reassign staff to help limit impacts, but with cuts climbing as the shutdown continues, cancellations are expected to rise.