Thousands of passengers faced travel nightmares on Friday as more than 5,000 US flights were cancelled or delayed. The disruption followed new federal orders forcing airlines to cut flight schedules amid the government shutdown, now stretching into its second month.
The new restrictions, introduced at 40 of America’s busiest airports, aim to reduce pressure on unpaid air traffic controllers and federal workers. Many employees have been missing shifts or taking side jobs to survive without pay.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed a 4% reduction in flights, warning that the figure could rise to 10% next week. Major hubs in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington DC are already struggling. The FAA said staff remain committed to safety, even as fatigue and financial strain take their toll.
Air traffic controllers under extreme pressure
Air traffic controllers, deemed essential personnel, must continue working through the shutdown despite not receiving paychecks. Their unions warn that stress, exhaustion, and uncertainty are growing by the day.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said international routes remain unaffected because of binding global agreements, but warned that the crisis could deepen quickly. In a televised interview, Duffy said flight cuts could increase to 20% if absenteeism rises among controllers.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, accused lawmakers of treating workers like political pawns. “We’ll keep showing up and doing our duty,” he said. “But we can’t sustain this. Congress needs to reopen the government.”
The effects of the shutdown now reach far beyond aviation. Federal food assistance, small business loans, and public safety programs have all been disrupted, leaving millions affected nationwide.
Travellers stranded and frustrated across the country
Airports nationwide descended into confusion on Friday as cancellation boards filled with red alerts. Airlines such as Delta, United, and American offered fee waivers, refunds, and rebookings for affected travellers.
Joe Sullivan, who was travelling from Washington DC to Atlanta for a wedding, found out his flight had been cancelled while already in an Uber 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 world’s busiest, is among the hardest hit by the federal flight reductions.
Some travellers scrambled for alternative plans. One woman paid $300 for a seven-hour train ride after her one-hour flight was cancelled. Another passenger, Ndenisarya Meekins, had to rebook her trip to New York. “It’s stressful,” she said. “We trust the controllers, but it’s worrying to know they’re working without pay.”
Federal employee Ariana Jakovljevic, who has gone unpaid since the shutdown began, said the crisis has left her in shock. “I just graduated and started my first job,” she said. “Now I’m wondering how long I can hold out.”
Frequent flyer Ben Sauceda said the pressure on controllers could affect safety. “They’re doing their best, but everyone has limits,” he said. “The government needs to fix this before something serious happens.”
Washington stalemate shows no end in sight
After 38 days, the government shutdown remains unresolved. Lawmakers have resumed negotiations, but political divisions continue to block progress.
Democrats introduced a new funding proposal on Friday, though it stands little chance of passing. The Senate requires 60 votes to approve any bill, and Republicans hold just 53 seats.
Republicans accuse Democrats of delaying funding for political leverage, while Democrats insist any deal must include extended healthcare subsidies for low-income Americans.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said talks would continue over the weekend and told senators to stay in Washington in case a vote is called.
President Donald Trump renewed his demand to end the Senate filibuster rule, which requires 60 votes for most legislation. The change would allow Republicans to pass funding without Democratic support. Lawmakers from both parties immediately rejected the idea.
Despite pushback, 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.
