Chaos swept through America’s airports on Friday as more than 5,000 flights were cancelled or delayed. The disruption came after new federal rules forced airlines to reduce air traffic because of the ongoing government shutdown.
The regulations, introduced at 40 of the nation’s largest airports, aim to ease pressure on unpaid federal workers, including air traffic controllers. Many have been missing shifts or taking side jobs to cover expenses as the shutdown stretches into its second month.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an emergency order cutting flight numbers by 4%. That figure is expected to climb to 10% next week. Major hubs in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington DC are among those affected. The FAA said controllers have been working long hours while struggling with fatigue and stress but continue to protect passenger safety.
Controllers under strain as crisis deepens
Air traffic controllers, classified as essential employees, must work without pay until the government reopens. Their unions say the prolonged shutdown has pushed them to the brink, warning that stress and exhaustion threaten safety.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the cuts have not yet hit international routes because of existing agreements. But he warned the situation could worsen fast. Speaking to a news outlet, Duffy said flight reductions could rise to 20% if more controllers stop showing up for work.
Nick Daniels, head of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, accused politicians of using workers as pawns in a political standoff. “We’re still showing up. We’ll keep the skies safe,” he said. “But we can’t pay ourselves. Congress must act.”
The shutdown’s effects stretch beyond airports. It has frozen federal programs, including food aid, and disrupted millions of lives across the country.
Passengers face long waits and mounting frustration
Airports filled with confusion on Friday as cancelled flights lit up departure boards. Airlines such as Delta, United, and American offered free rebooking, refunds, and fee waivers to affected travellers.
Joe Sullivan, travelling to a wedding in Atlanta, received a cancellation notice while heading to Reagan National Airport in Washington DC. “I got rebooked twelve hours later,” he said. “I might make the ceremony, but I’ll miss the rest.”
Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, one of the world’s busiest airports, is among the 40 facing mandatory flight cuts.
Some passengers sought alternative transport. One traveller said she paid $300 for a seven-hour train ride after her one-hour flight was cancelled. Another, Ndenisarya Meekins, was forced to reschedule her trip to New York. “It’s nerve-wracking flying right now,” she said. “You trust the controllers, but you worry about their exhaustion and lack of pay.”
Federal worker Ariana Jakovljevic, who has not received her salary during the shutdown, said the crisis has hit her hard. “I just graduated and started my first real job,” she said. “Now I’m wondering how long I can manage.”
Frequent flyer Ben Sauceda said he fears the stress on air traffic controllers could affect safety. “They’re doing incredible work, but we’re asking too much of them,” he said. “The government needs to fix this before something goes wrong.”
Political gridlock shows no sign of easing
The 38-day shutdown remains unresolved as lawmakers struggle to find common ground. Negotiations have restarted, but Democrats and Republicans remain sharply divided.
Democrats proposed a new funding plan on Friday, but without Republican backing, it is unlikely to pass. The Senate needs 60 votes for approval, and Republicans hold only 53 seats.
Republicans accuse Democrats of holding up progress, while Democrats insist on healthcare subsidies for low-income Americans as part of any deal.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said discussions would continue through the weekend. He instructed senators to remain in Washington in case a vote becomes possible.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump renewed his push to end the Senate filibuster rule, which requires 60 votes for most legislation. He argued that removing it would let Republicans pass a funding bill alone. Lawmakers from both parties rejected the idea.
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.
