Thousands of flights cancelled or delayed in US as air traffic control hit by government shutdown

BBC update

MORE than 2,000 flights in the US were cancelled or delayed on Friday after airlines were told to cut traffic during the government shutdown.

Domestic flights at 40 of the country's busiest airports will be affected as officials try to ease pressure on air traffic controllers.

Airports have been grappling with air traffic controller shortages, who are either calling in sick or taking side jobs as they work without pay during the federal government shutdown.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says reductions will start at 4% of internal flights before rising to the full 10% by the end of next week - it warns up to 4,000 flights per day could be affected.

Several of the largest US airlines are assuring customers they'll be able to get full refunds for the cancelled flights - here's what some, including United and Delta, are saying.