Air travel across the United States plunged into turmoil on Friday as more than 5,000 flights were cancelled or delayed after new federal mandates forced airlines to cut schedules amid the ongoing government shutdown.
The new rules took effect at 40 of the country’s busiest airports to ease the strain on air traffic controllers and other essential federal employees still working without pay. Many have been calling in sick, taking side jobs, or missing shifts to cope with lost income.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered a 4% reduction in flights, a figure expected to rise to 10% next week. The directive affects major hubs including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington DC. The FAA said controllers are showing signs of fatigue but continue to maintain air safety under extreme stress.
Controllers reach breaking point amid unpaid shifts
Air traffic controllers are required to keep working despite not being paid, making them some of the hardest hit during what has become the longest shutdown in US history. Their unions warn of growing exhaustion, financial pressure, and increasing safety risks.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said international flights have not yet been affected because of binding global agreements. However, he warned that domestic travel could deteriorate further. In an interview, he said flight cuts could rise to 20% if the shutdown continues and more controllers are forced to stay home.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, accused lawmakers of using controllers as leverage in political negotiations. “We’ll keep showing up and doing our jobs,” Daniels said. “But we can’t pay ourselves. Congress needs to reopen the government.”
The shutdown has also disrupted vital federal programmes nationwide, from food aid to public services, deepening frustration among Americans.
Passengers stranded as chaos spreads through airports
Across the country, airports filled with long queues, confusion, and cancelled flights. Airlines such as Delta, United, and American offered free rebooking, refunds, and waivers, even for travellers not directly affected.
Joe Sullivan was already in an Uber to Reagan National Airport in Washington DC when he learned his flight to Atlanta had been cancelled. He was travelling to his cousin’s wedding. “I got rebooked 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 the locations hit by the flight reductions.
Some passengers turned to alternative travel options. One woman said she paid $300 for a seven-hour train ride after her short flight was cancelled. Another traveller, Ndenisarya Meekins, had her trip to New York cancelled too. “Travelling right now is nerve-wracking,” she said. “We trust the controllers, but it’s worrying knowing they’re unpaid and exhausted.”
She said her sympathy lies with all airport staff working under these conditions. “They’re still showing up to keep us safe. That deserves respect,” she said.
Federal worker Ariana Jakovljevic, who has not received a paycheck since the shutdown began, said the crisis has left her anxious. “I just started my first full-time job,” she said. “I thought I was on solid ground, but now I’m just waiting and hoping this ends soon.”
Frequent traveller Ben Sauceda said the situation feels increasingly unsafe. “Controllers are professionals, but everyone has limits,” he said. “We’re putting them under immense pressure, and that’s not fair. The government needs to fix this fast.”
Lawmakers locked in stalemate as shutdown drags on
After 38 days, the shutdown continues with no clear end in sight. Lawmakers have reopened negotiations, but deep divisions between Republicans and Democrats remain.
Democrats proposed a new funding bill on Friday, but it faces little chance of success. The Senate requires 60 votes to pass a measure, and Republicans hold only 53 seats. Republicans have pushed short-term funding plans, while Democrats insist on including healthcare subsidies for low-income Americans.
Republicans accuse Democrats of blocking progress for political gain. Democrats say Republicans refuse to compromise.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said talks would continue through the weekend and told senators to stay in Washington for possible votes. The House of Representatives remains out of session.
President Donald Trump again called for ending the Senate’s filibuster rule, which requires 60 votes for most bills, to allow Republicans to pass funding without Democratic support. Lawmakers from both parties quickly 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.
