Data showed a “broader slowdown” Thursday across the country's aviation system for the first time since the shutdown began on Oct. 1, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

A surge in callouts among air traffic controllers "is straining staffing levels" at multiple airports across the U.S. -- including in the New York City area where 80% of controllers are absent, the Federal Aviation Administration said Friday evening.

Air traffic controllers press lawmakers to end government shutdown, saying unpaid workers and staffing shortages are putting aviation safety at risk.

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.

With high winds expected to hamper East Coast hubs on Friday, air traffic controllers continue to call out of work in greater numbers after missing their first full paycheck—leading to further flight delays.

The Community Food Bank of New Jersey gave out fresh produce and pantry items to TSA workers and air traffic controllers at Newark Airport as they are set to miss their first full paycheck due to the government shutdown.