Airports across the United States descended into chaos on Friday as more than 5,000 flights were cancelled or delayed. The disruption followed federal orders requiring airlines to reduce flights amid the ongoing government shutdown.
The rules, 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 continues into its second month.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an emergency order cutting flights by 4%, warning that 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 stress.
Air traffic controllers stretched to the limit
Air traffic controllers, deemed essential workers, must continue working without pay. Unions warn that exhaustion, stress, and financial strain threaten both employee welfare and flight safety.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said international flights are not yet affected due to binding global agreements. He cautioned that domestic travel could deteriorate further. Duffy told reporters flight reductions could reach 20% if more controllers stop reporting to work.
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 duty,” he said. “But we can’t pay ourselves. Congress must reopen the government.”
The shutdown’s effects extend beyond aviation. Federal food programs, small business support, and other public services remain stalled, affecting millions of Americans.
Travellers face widespread frustration
Airports across the country were overwhelmed on Friday as cancellation boards filled with alerts. Airlines including Delta, United, and American offered free rebooking, refunds, and waived fees to affected passengers.
Joe Sullivan, travelling from Washington DC to Atlanta for a wedding, received a cancellation notice 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 those forced to reduce flight schedules.
Some travellers scrambled for alternative plans. One woman paid $300 for a seven-hour train trip after her one-hour flight was cancelled. Another passenger, Ndenisarya Meekins, had to reschedule her trip to New York. “It’s stressful flying right now,” she said. “You trust the controllers, but they’re working without pay.”
Federal worker Ariana Jakovljevic, who has not been paid since the shutdown began, said the crisis 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 compromise safety. “They’re skilled, but the pressure is extreme,” he said. “The government must act before lives are at risk.”
Political stalemate keeps shutdown ongoing
The government shutdown, now in its 38th day, shows no signs of ending. Lawmakers have resumed negotiations, but partisan divisions remain.
Democrats presented 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 progress for political reasons, 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 stay in Washington for possible 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 measure without Democratic support. Lawmakers from both parties rejected the proposal.
Still, Trump pressed the issue 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.
