More than 5,000 flights across the United States were cancelled or delayed on Friday as new federal mandates forced airlines to reduce air traffic amid the ongoing government shutdown.
The restrictions took effect at 40 of the country’s busiest airports to ease pressure on air traffic controllers and other federal workers who continue to work without pay. Many of them have been calling in sick, taking side jobs, or missing shifts since the shutdown began last month.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered airlines to cut flights by 4%, with reductions expected to reach 10% by next week. The move hit major hubs in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington DC. The FAA said controllers are showing signs of exhaustion while ensuring the safety of US airspace.
Air traffic controllers stretched to the limit
Air traffic controllers remain on duty despite going unpaid during what has become the longest government shutdown in American history. Their unions warn of burnout, financial strain, and growing safety risks.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said international flights have not yet been affected because of binding global agreements. But he warned that domestic disruptions could worsen. In a televised interview, he said flight cuts might rise to 20% if the shutdown continues and more controllers miss work.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, accused lawmakers of turning controllers into political pawns. “We’ll keep showing up and doing our jobs,” he said. “But we can’t pay ourselves. Congress needs to reopen the government.”
Beyond aviation, the shutdown has caused widespread disruptions, including halted food aid and delayed public services across the country.
Passengers face chaos and confusion at airports
Airports nationwide saw long queues and mounting frustration as flight boards filled with cancellations. Airlines including Delta, United, and American offered waivers, refunds, and rebooking options, even for passengers whose flights were not directly affected.
Joe Sullivan was on his way to Reagan National Airport in Washington DC when he got the message that his flight to Atlanta was cancelled. He was heading to his cousin’s wedding. “I got rebooked for a flight more than twelve hours later,” he said. “I might make it to the ceremony, but I’ll miss everything else.”
Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, one of the world’s busiest, is among those ordered to cut flights.
Some travellers searched for alternate transport. One woman said she spent $300 on a seven-hour train ride after her short flight was cancelled. Another passenger, Ndenisarya Meekins, said her flight to New York was also scrapped. “It’s nerve-wracking to travel now,” she said. “We trust the controllers, but it’s hard knowing they’re working without pay.”
She added that she feels for all unpaid airport staff, including security agents. “They’re doing their jobs under incredible stress,” she said.
Ariana Jakovljevic, a young federal worker unpaid since the shutdown began, said she feels powerless. “I just graduated college and started my first real job,” she said. “I thought things would be fine. Now I’m just hoping this ends soon.”
Frequent traveller Ben Sauceda said he worries about safety. “Controllers are some of the best in the world,” he said. “But asking them to handle this pressure without pay isn’t right. The government needs to act fast.”
Political gridlock keeps government closed
After 38 days, the shutdown shows no sign of ending. Lawmakers have resumed talks, but divisions remain deep.
Democrats proposed a new funding bill on Friday, but it has little chance of success. The Senate needs 60 votes to pass it, and Republicans hold only 53 seats. Republicans have repeatedly pushed for short-term funding without success, while Democrats refuse to approve any bill that excludes healthcare subsidies for low-income Americans.
Republicans accuse Democrats of holding the government hostage over unrelated issues, while Democrats blame Republicans for refusing to compromise.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said negotiations will continue through the weekend and told senators to remain in Washington for possible votes. The House of Representatives is still out of session.
President Donald Trump again called for ending the Senate’s filibuster rule, which requires 60 votes for most bills, allowing Republicans to pass funding without Democratic support. Lawmakers from both parties rejected the idea.
Still, Trump repeated his demand on Friday. “If they can’t reach a deal, Republicans should end the filibuster and take care of our great American workers,” he wrote on Truth Social.
