Air travel across the United States plunged into disruption on Friday as more than 5,000 flights were cancelled or delayed. The chaos followed federal orders forcing airlines to reduce schedules amid the ongoing government shutdown.
The rules, applied at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, aim to relieve 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 cutting flights by 4%, warning reductions 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 extreme strain
Air traffic controllers, classified as essential personnel, continue working without pay. Unions warn that exhaustion, stress, and financial pressure are creating serious risks for safety and morale.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said international flights remain unaffected due to binding global agreements but cautioned that domestic travel could worsen. He warned 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 pawns. “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 extend beyond aviation. Food assistance programs, small business loans, and other federal services remain stalled, affecting millions nationwide.
Travellers face long delays and uncertainty
Airports nationwide descended into confusion as cancellation boards lit up on Friday. 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, discovered 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 flight reductions.
Some passengers scrambled for 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 trip to New York. “Flying now is nerve-racking,” she said. “You trust the controllers, but they’re working without pay.”
Federal employee Ariana Jakovljevic, unpaid 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 affect safety. “They’re skilled, but under extreme pressure,” he said. “The government must act before lives are at risk.”
Political deadlock prolongs crisis
The shutdown, now in its 38th day, continues with no resolution. Lawmakers have resumed talks, but divisions remain entrenched.
Democrats proposed a new funding bill on Friday, though it faces slim chances in the Senate, where 60 votes are needed 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. Eliminating 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.
