The United States faced nationwide travel chaos on Friday as more than 5,000 flights were cancelled or delayed. The disruption came after the government ordered airlines to cut flight numbers amid the ongoing federal shutdown.
The new restrictions, applied at 40 of the country’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 enters its second month.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed an emergency order cutting flights by 4%, warning that the reduction will rise to 10% next week. Major hubs including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington DC are already struggling. The FAA said staff are growing fatigued but continue to safeguard America’s airspace despite mounting strain.
Controllers endure stress and financial hardship
Air traffic controllers, classified as essential workers, must continue working despite receiving no pay. Their unions warn that exhaustion and financial pressure are escalating, posing growing risks to safety and morale.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said international routes remain unaffected due to binding global agreements but cautioned that the crisis could deepen. In an interview, he said flight cuts could reach 20% if absentee rates rise among controllers.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, criticised lawmakers for using federal workers as political pawns. “We’re showing up and doing our duty,” he said. “But we can’t keep working without pay. Congress must reopen the government.”
The shutdown’s impact stretches beyond aviation, with critical federal programs—from food aid to small business support—either delayed or suspended.
Travellers stranded as cancellations pile up
Airports nationwide descended into confusion as the FAA order took effect. Airlines including Delta, United, and American offered refunds, rebooking, and fee waivers to passengers caught in the disruption.
Joe Sullivan, flying from Washington DC to Atlanta for a family wedding, received a cancellation notice 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 Airport, one of the world’s busiest, was among the sites affected by mandatory flight cuts.
Some travellers turned to alternative transport. One woman paid $300 for a seven-hour train ride 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 worry about the people working without pay, but you still trust them to keep you safe.”
Federal employee Ariana Jakovljevic said she hasn’t been paid since the shutdown began. “I just started my first full-time job after college,” she said. “I thought I had stability, but now I’m struggling to stay positive.”
Frequent flyer Ben Sauceda said safety concerns are growing. “Air traffic controllers are highly skilled, but they’re under pressure,” he said. “They’re doing critical work while worrying about paying bills. The government must act now.”
Congress deadlocked as shutdown drags on
The 38-day shutdown shows no sign of ending as political divisions deepen in Washington. Lawmakers from both parties have resumed talks, but progress remains slow.
Democrats introduced a new funding proposal on Friday, yet it faces almost certain defeat in the Senate, where Republicans hold 53 seats and 60 votes are needed to pass.
Republicans accuse Democrats of blocking government funding for political reasons, while Democrats demand extensions of healthcare subsidies for low-income Americans as part of any agreement.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said discussions would continue through the weekend and urged senators to stay in Washington in case a deal emerges.
President Donald Trump again called for abolishing the Senate filibuster rule, which requires 60 votes for most legislation. The change would let Republicans pass funding without Democratic support. Lawmakers from both parties rejected the proposal.
Despite resistance, Trump repeated his appeal 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.
