Air travel across the United States collapsed into disorder on Friday as more than 5,000 flights were cancelled or delayed. The mass disruption followed new federal orders forcing airlines to scale back operations amid the ongoing government shutdown.
The new measures, rolled out at 40 of the country’s busiest airports, were designed to reduce pressure on unpaid air traffic controllers and other essential staff still working without salaries. Many have missed shifts or taken extra jobs to cope as the shutdown enters its second month.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered a 4% reduction in flights, warning that the figure will rise to 10% next week. Major airports in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington DC have already been heavily affected. The FAA said controllers remain committed to safety despite fatigue and severe financial stress.
Air traffic controllers on the edge
Air traffic controllers, required to work through the shutdown without pay, are reaching breaking point. Their unions warn that exhaustion, anxiety, and unpaid bills are putting both safety and morale at risk.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said international flights have not yet been affected because of long-standing global agreements. But he warned the situation could deteriorate quickly. In an interview, Duffy said flight reductions could hit 20% if more controllers fail to report for duty.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said lawmakers are using essential workers as bargaining chips. “We’ll keep showing up and protecting the skies,” he said. “But we can’t work without pay forever. Congress needs to act.”
The shutdown’s effects extend beyond aviation. Food aid, loan programs, and other public services remain frozen, affecting millions of Americans.
Travellers face confusion and endless delays
Airports across the country turned chaotic as cancellations surged. Airlines including Delta, United, and American offered refunds, free rebooking, and waived fees as passengers scrambled for alternatives.
Joe Sullivan, travelling from Washington DC to Atlanta for his cousin’s wedding, discovered his flight had been cancelled while he was already on the way to the airport. “I got rebooked twelve hours later,” he said. “I’ll make the ceremony, but I’ll miss everything else.”
Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, one of the busiest in the world, was among the hardest hit by flight cuts.
Some travellers found costly backup plans. 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. “Flying now is nerve-racking,” she said. “We trust the people working, but they’re unpaid and under pressure.”
Federal employee Ariana Jakovljevic, who hasn’t received her paycheck since the shutdown began, said she feels trapped. “I just started my first real job,” she said. “Now I’m wondering how to pay rent.”
Frequent traveller Ben Sauceda said the strain on controllers is alarming. “They’re professionals, but they’re being pushed too far,” he said. “We’re asking them to protect lives while worrying about feeding their families.”
Political divide keeps government frozen
The 38-day shutdown continues with no deal in sight. Lawmakers from both parties have restarted negotiations, but deep disagreements remain unresolved.
Democrats proposed a new funding plan on Friday, but it faces almost certain defeat in the Senate, where 60 votes are needed and Republicans hold just 53 seats. Republicans accuse Democrats of delaying progress, while Democrats insist any bill must include healthcare subsidies for low-income Americans.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said talks would continue through the weekend and ordered senators to stay in Washington for possible votes.
President Donald Trump renewed his push to abolish the Senate filibuster rule, which requires 60 votes to pass most legislation. Ending it would let Republicans approve funding without Democratic support. Lawmakers from both parties rejected the idea.
Still, Trump doubled down 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.
