Airports across the United States faced widespread disruption on Friday as more than 5,000 flights were cancelled or delayed. The disruption followed new federal rules requiring airlines to cut schedules amid the ongoing government shutdown.
The restrictions, 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 missed shifts or taken extra jobs to survive as the shutdown stretches into its second month.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered 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 those affected. FAA officials said controllers are fatigued but continue to keep the skies safe.
Air traffic controllers face mounting strain
Air traffic controllers, classified as essential personnel, must work without pay. Unions warn that prolonged stress, exhaustion, and financial pressure could threaten safety and morale.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said international flights remain unaffected because of binding global agreements. However, he cautioned that domestic travel could face even deeper cuts. In an interview, Duffy said flight reductions could rise to 20% if absenteeism among controllers increases.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, accused lawmakers of using essential workers as political pawns. “We’ll keep doing our jobs,” he said. “But we can’t pay ourselves. Congress must reopen the government.”
The shutdown’s impact stretches beyond aviation. Food aid programs, small business loans, and other federal services have stalled, affecting millions nationwide.
Travellers stranded as cancellations mount
Airports filled with frustrated passengers on Friday as cancellation boards lit up. Airlines including Delta, United, and American offered free rebooking, refunds, and waived fees to travellers.
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, was among the sites affected by mandatory flight reductions.
Some passengers sought 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 reschedule her New York trip. “Flying right now is nerve-wracking,” she said. “You trust the controllers, but they’re working without pay.”
Federal employee Ariana Jakovljevic, who has not been paid since the shutdown began, said the crisis has left her anxious. “I just started my first real job,” she said. “Now I’m wondering how I’ll manage financially.”
Frequent flyer Ben Sauceda said the situation raises safety concerns. “Controllers are skilled professionals, but they’re under extreme pressure,” he said. “The government must act before lives are at risk.”
Political deadlock continues to stall government
The shutdown, now in its 38th day, shows no sign of ending. Lawmakers from both parties have resumed negotiations, but deep divisions remain.
Democrats proposed a new funding bill on Friday, but it faces little chance of passing. The Senate requires 60 votes for approval, and Republicans hold 53 seats.
Republicans accuse Democrats of blocking government funding for political leverage, while Democrats insist any deal must include healthcare subsidies for low-income Americans.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said talks would continue through the weekend and instructed senators to remain in Washington for potential votes.
President Donald Trump renewed his call to eliminate the Senate filibuster rule, which requires 60 votes for most legislation. Ending it would allow Republicans to pass a funding bill without Democratic support. Lawmakers from both parties rejected the idea.
Still, Trump pressed the issue again 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.
