FFA to delay closures of 149 air traffic control towers

(CNN) -- The Federal Aviation Administration said Friday it will delay the closures of 149 federal-contract air traffic control towers until June 15.

Last month, the FAA announced it would eliminate funding for these regional airport towers to help it meet $637 million in forced spending cuts.

The tower closures had been scheduled to begin April 7, phased in over four weeks. The towers are low- or moderate-volume facilities staffed by contractors.