WASHINGTON (February 22, 2013)--The Obama administration warned Friday that automatic spending cuts scheduled to take effect March 1 will result in travel delays at major airports and require traffic-disrupting shutdowns of air traffic control towers at smaller facilities.

Transportation Secretary Ray La Hood said the across the board reductions will require trimming $600 million this year from the Federal Aviation Administration’s budget.

La Hood said that lead to furloughs for air traffic controllers, which in turn will reduce the ability to guide planes in and out of airports.

He says travelers could experience 90 minute delays or more in major cities.

President Barack Obama is calling on Congress to replace the cuts with tax increases and targeted reductions, but congressional Republicans oppose raising revenue through additional taxes.