Airports across the United States fell into chaos on Friday as more than 5,000 flights were cancelled or delayed. Federal orders requiring airlines to cut schedules amid the ongoing government shutdown caused widespread disruption.
The measures, 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 been missing shifts or taking second jobs to survive as the shutdown stretches into its second month.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an emergency order mandating 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 the hardest hit. FAA officials said controllers remain committed to safety despite fatigue and financial strain.
Air traffic controllers face severe strain
Air traffic controllers, classified as essential personnel, continue working without pay. Unions warn exhaustion, stress, and financial strain threaten both safety and morale.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said international flights remain unaffected due to global agreements but warned domestic travel could deteriorate further. Flight reductions could reach 20% if more controllers fail to report for duty.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, criticized lawmakers for 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 go beyond aviation. Food assistance programs, small business loans, and other federal services remain frozen, affecting millions of Americans.
Passengers struggle with delays and cancellations
Airports nationwide filled with anxious travellers as cancellation boards lit up. 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, 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 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 compromise safety. “They’re skilled, but under extreme pressure,” he said. “The government must act before lives are at risk.”
Political deadlock keeps crisis alive
The shutdown, now in its 38th day, continues with no resolution. Lawmakers have resumed talks, but partisan divisions remain entrenched.
Democrats proposed a new funding bill on Friday, though it faces little chance in the Senate, where 60 votes are required 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.
