Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian said that coming off a "tough" week for the airline, air travel should be "close to normal" by this weekend, should the government shutdown end today. Watch more: cnb.cx/47QyxZA | CNBC

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Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian backed the FAA's decision to mandate flight cuts during the government shutdown, saying there was "no question" that the conditions posed a safety risk. Bastian expressed frustration with the air travel industry suffering collateral damage during the shutdown, saying the company doesn't like "being a political football." He also urged officials to make sure air traffic controllers are paid the next time there’s a shutdown. Watch more: cnb.cx/47QyxZA | CNBC