Airlines seek court intervention to stop planned strike of air traffic controllers . The Federal Aviation Administration says furloughs are necessary due to budget cuts . It has asked the Obama administration for a 30-day delay of its furlough action so it could pursue the matter with Congress . `` We continue to believe that the FAA has other means to reach a 10 percent budget reduction than to impact the traveling public , '' A4A President Nick Calio said in a statement . There are 15,000 FAA air traffic controllers at US airports and related facilities . NEW : Airlines ask for delay in flights due to start Sunday ; group asks White House for help .
Airlines seek court intervention to stop planned strike of air traffic controllers . The Federal Aviation Administration says furloughs are necessary due to budget cuts . There are 15,000 FAA air traffic controllers at US airports and related facilities . NEW : Airlines ask for delay in flights due to start Sunday ; group asks White House for help .