Airports across the United States faced widespread disruption on Friday as more than 5,000 flights were cancelled or delayed. The chaos followed federal orders requiring airlines to cut schedules amid the ongoing government shutdown.
The rules, applied at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, aim to reduce pressure on air traffic controllers and other essential federal employees still working without pay. Many have missed shifts or taken second jobs to survive as the shutdown enters its second month.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an emergency order cutting flights by 4%, warning reductions could reach 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 strain.
Air traffic controllers stretched to breaking point
Air traffic controllers, classified as essential personnel, continue working without pay. Unions warn that stress, exhaustion, and financial pressure are creating serious risks for safety and morale.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said international flights remain unaffected due to global agreements but cautioned that domestic travel could worsen. He warned flight reductions could rise to 20% if more controllers fail to report for duty.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said lawmakers are treating 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 frozen, affecting millions nationwide.
Passengers face confusion and long delays
Airports nationwide were overwhelmed as cancellation boards filled with alerts. Airlines including Delta, United, and American offered free rebooking, refunds, and waived fees to stranded passengers.
Joe Sullivan, travelling from Washington DC to Atlanta for a wedding, learned 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 the flight reductions.
Some passengers sought alternative travel. One woman paid $300 for a seven-hour train ride 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 threaten safety. “They’re skilled, but under extreme pressure,” he said. “The government must act before lives are at risk.”
Political stalemate prolongs the 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, but it faces little chance 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 talks would 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. Ending 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.
