The US Transportation Department said on Tuesday more than 11,000 employees at the Federal Aviation Administration, about a quarter of its staff, would be furloughed if government funding lapses. US airlines have warned that a partial federal government shutdown at midnight (0400 GMT) could strain American aviation and slow flights, as air traffic controllers and security officers would be forced to work without pay and other functions would be halted. With an eye on keeping the skies safe, more than 13,000 current air traffic controllers would be required to continue working, but would not be paid until the shutdown ended, the FAA said. The FAA is about 3,800 controllers short of targeted staffing levels, but even if government funding is...