Airports across the United States fell into chaos 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 rules, applied at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, aim to ease pressure on air traffic controllers and other essential federal employees still working without pay. Many have been missing shifts or taking second jobs to make ends meet as the shutdown stretches into its second month.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an emergency order mandating a 4% reduction in flights, warning that cuts could rise to 10% next week. Major hubs in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington DC are among the hardest hit. FAA officials said controllers remain committed to safety despite fatigue and financial stress.
Air traffic controllers under mounting strain
Air traffic controllers, classified as essential personnel, continue to work without pay. Unions warn that exhaustion, stress, and financial hardship threaten both safety and employee morale.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said international flights remain unaffected due to global agreements, but domestic travel could worsen. He warned that flight reductions could rise to 20% if more controllers fail to report for duty.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, criticized lawmakers for 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 effects go beyond aviation. Food assistance programs, small business loans, and other federal services have stalled, affecting millions nationwide.
Travellers face uncertainty and long delays
Airports nationwide were overwhelmed on Friday as cancellation boards filled with alerts. Airlines including Delta, United, and American offered free rebooking, refunds, and waived fees to 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 make the ceremony, but I’ll miss everything else.”
Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, one of the world’s busiest, is among the hardest hit by flight reductions.
Some passengers turned to alternative travel. One woman paid $300 for a seven-hour train trip after her one-hour flight was cancelled. Another traveller, Ndenisarya Meekins, had to rebook her New York trip. “Flying now is nerve-racking,” she said. “You trust the controllers, but they’re working without pay.”
Federal employee Ariana Jakovljevic, who hasn’t been paid since the shutdown began, said the situation has left her anxious. “I just started my first job,” she said. “Now I’m unsure how I’ll manage financially.”
Frequent traveller Ben Sauceda said the strain on controllers could compromise safety. “They’re skilled, but under extreme pressure,” he said. “The government must act before lives are at risk.”
Political deadlock prolongs the crisis
The 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, but it faces little chance 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 for potential votes.
President Donald Trump renewed his call 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.
