Air travel across the United States fell into disarray on Friday as more than 5,000 flights were cancelled or delayed. The disruptions followed federal orders requiring airlines to reduce schedules amid the ongoing government shutdown.
The new rules, applied at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, aim to reduce pressure on air traffic controllers and other federal employees still working without pay. Many have been calling in sick or taking second jobs to cope as the shutdown enters its second month.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an emergency order cutting flights by 4%, warning reductions could rise to 10% next week. Major hubs in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington DC have already been hit hard. FAA officials said controllers remain committed to safety despite fatigue and financial strain.
Air traffic controllers pushed to the limit
Air traffic controllers, classified as essential personnel, must continue working without pay. Their unions warn that exhaustion, stress, and financial pressure threaten safety and morale.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said international flights remain unaffected due to binding global agreements, but he cautioned domestic travel could worsen. Duffy said flight reductions could reach 20% if more controllers fail to report for duty.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said lawmakers are using essential workers as political leverage. “We’ll keep showing up and doing our jobs,” he said. “But we can’t pay ourselves. Congress must reopen the government.”
The shutdown’s impact extends beyond aviation. Food assistance programs, small business support, and other federal services remain halted, affecting millions of Americans.
Travellers face mounting delays and frustration
Airports nationwide descended into chaos as cancellation boards lit up. Airlines including Delta, United, and American offered rebooking, refunds, and fee waivers to affected passengers.
Joe Sullivan, travelling from Washington DC to Atlanta for a wedding, learned his flight was cancelled while en route to the airport. “I got rebooked twelve hours later,” he said. “I might still make the ceremony, but I’ll miss everything else.”
Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, one of the busiest in the world, is among the hardest hit by the flight reductions.
Some travellers sought alternative transport. One woman paid $300 for a seven-hour train ride after her one-hour flight was cancelled. Another passenger, Ndenisarya Meekins, had to rebook her trip to New York. “Flying right now is nerve-racking,” she said. “You trust the controllers, but they’re working without pay.”
Federal worker Ariana Jakovljevic, who has gone unpaid since the shutdown began, said the crisis has left her anxious. “I just started my first job,” she said. “Now I’m unsure how I’ll manage financially.”
Frequent flyer Ben Sauceda said the pressure on controllers could compromise safety. “They’re skilled, but under extreme stress,” he said. “The government must act before lives are at risk.”
Political deadlock prolongs crisis
The government shutdown, now in its 38th day, continues with no resolution. Lawmakers have resumed talks, but partisan divisions remain entrenched.
Democrats proposed a new funding bill on Friday, though it faces slim chances in the Senate, where 60 votes are required and Republicans hold 53 seats.
Republicans accuse Democrats of blocking funding for political leverage, while Democrats insist any deal must include healthcare subsidies for low-income Americans.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said negotiations will continue through the weekend and instructed senators to remain in Washington in case a vote becomes possible.
President Donald Trump renewed his push to end the Senate filibuster, which requires 60 votes for most legislation. Ending it would allow Republicans to pass a funding measure without Democratic support. Lawmakers from both parties rejected the proposal.
Trump repeated his demand on Friday. “If they can’t reach a deal, Republicans should end the filibuster and take care of American workers,” he wrote on Truth Social.
