Thousands of travellers faced chaos on Friday as more than 5,000 flights across the United States were cancelled or delayed. The disruption followed new federal mandates forcing airlines to scale back operations amid the prolonged government shutdown.
The new measures, imposed at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, aim to relieve strain on unpaid air traffic controllers and other essential workers. Many federal employees have been missing shifts or seeking side jobs as the shutdown drags into its second month.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered a 4% reduction in flights nationwide, warning the cuts could rise to 10% by next week. Major travel hubs including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington DC are already feeling the impact. The FAA said its staff are working long hours under growing fatigue but continue to ensure passenger safety.
Air traffic controllers stretched to their limits
Controllers are among the essential workers required to stay on duty without pay during the shutdown, now the longest in US history. Unions report that stress levels have soared as employees juggle unpaid work, second jobs, and family responsibilities.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said international routes have not yet been hit due to binding global agreements. However, he warned the situation could worsen rapidly. In an interview, Duffy said flight cuts could rise to 20% if more controllers stop reporting for duty.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, accused lawmakers of turning workers into bargaining chips. “We’ll keep showing up and protecting passengers,” he said. “But we can’t pay ourselves. Congress needs to end this.”
The shutdown’s effects extend far beyond aviation. Food assistance programs, small business loans, and other federal services have stalled, deepening public frustration nationwide.
Travellers stranded and searching for solutions
Airports across the country descended into disarray on Friday as flight boards filled with cancellations. Airlines such as Delta, United, and American offered rebooking, refunds, and fee waivers to affected passengers.
Joe Sullivan, travelling from Washington DC to Atlanta for his cousin’s wedding, learned his flight was cancelled while already 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 busiest in the world, is among the 40 facilities ordered to cut flight numbers.
Some travellers turned to alternative transport. One woman spent $300 on a seven-hour train ride after her one-hour flight was cancelled. Another passenger, Ndenisarya Meekins, was forced to rebook her trip to New York. “Flying right now feels tense,” she said. “You trust the people working, but it’s worrying knowing they aren’t being paid.”
Federal employee Ariana Jakovljevic, who has gone unpaid for weeks, said the shutdown has left her disheartened. “I just started my first real job after college,” she said. “Now I’m struggling to stay hopeful.”
Frequent flyer Ben Sauceda said the situation raises serious safety concerns. “Controllers are doing amazing work, but they’re under huge pressure,” he said. “We’re asking them to be perfect while they worry about feeding their families.”
Political deadlock keeps shutdown alive
The shutdown has entered its 38th day, with no resolution in sight. Lawmakers from both parties have resumed talks, but sharp divisions persist.
Democrats presented a new funding proposal on Friday, but it stands little chance in the Senate, where Republicans hold 53 of 100 seats. The bill needs 60 votes to pass.
Republicans have repeatedly pushed short-term funding bills, accusing Democrats of blocking progress. Democrats insist on extending healthcare subsidies for low-income Americans as part of any deal.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said discussions would continue through the weekend and told senators to remain in Washington in case a vote occurs.
President Donald Trump renewed calls to eliminate the Senate’s filibuster rule, which requires 60 votes to pass most bills. Ending it would allow Republicans to approve a funding measure without Democratic support. Lawmakers from both parties quickly dismissed 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 American workers,” he wrote on Truth Social.
