More than 5,000 flights were cancelled or delayed across the United States on Friday after new federal mandates forced airlines to cut schedules amid the continuing government shutdown.
The emergency rules took effect at 40 of the country’s busiest airports to reduce the workload on air traffic controllers and other unpaid federal employees. Many essential workers have been calling in sick, taking side jobs, or missing shifts to cope with lost income.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered airlines to reduce flights by 4%, with cuts expected to climb to 10% next week. The mandate affects major hubs in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington DC. The FAA said controllers are showing fatigue while still working to keep the nation’s skies safe.
Controllers caught in political crossfire
Air traffic controllers, classified as essential workers, must continue working without pay during what is now the longest government shutdown in US history. Their unions warn of mounting stress, illness, and financial hardship.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said international flights remain unaffected for now due to binding global agreements. However, he warned that the domestic situation could deteriorate further. In a televised interview, he said flight cuts could rise to 20% if the shutdown continues and more controllers are unable to work.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, accused lawmakers of using controllers as pawns in a political standoff. “We’ll keep doing our jobs,” Daniels said. “But we can’t fund ourselves. Congress must reopen the government.”
The shutdown has also disrupted essential services nationwide, including nutrition assistance and community programmes.
Travellers stranded as airports descend into disorder
Airports across the country saw long lines, frustrated passengers, and full departure boards flashing red with cancellations. Airlines such as Delta, United, and American offered free rebooking, refunds, and fee waivers, even for travellers whose flights were not directly affected.
Joe Sullivan was en route to Reagan National Airport in Washington DC when he learned his flight to Atlanta had been cancelled. He was travelling to attend his cousin’s wedding. “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, among the world’s busiest, is one of the 40 affected hubs.
Some travellers searched for alternative routes. One woman said she spent $300 on a train ticket for a seven-hour journey after her one-hour flight was cancelled. Another passenger, Ndenisarya Meekins, had to rebook her trip to New York. “It’s nerve-wracking to travel now,” she said. “We trust the controllers, but it’s hard knowing they’re working without pay.”
She said her thoughts are with all unpaid airport staff, including security agents. “They’re doing their jobs under massive stress,” she said.
Federal worker Ariana Jakovljevic said she has not been paid since the shutdown began. “I just started my first real job,” she said. “I thought I was secure, but now I’m just hoping this ends soon.”
Traveller Ben Sauceda said he feels uneasy flying under current conditions. “Controllers are incredible professionals,” he said. “But expecting them to handle this pressure without pay is unfair. The government needs to fix this immediately.”
No end in sight for political deadlock
After 38 days, the shutdown shows no clear end. Lawmakers have restarted discussions, but both parties remain deeply divided.
Democrats introduced a new funding bill on Friday, but it faces little chance of passing. The Senate requires 60 votes for approval, and Republicans hold only 53 seats. Republicans have repeatedly pushed for short-term funding measures, while Democrats refuse to support any plan that excludes healthcare subsidies for low-income Americans.
Republicans accuse Democrats of blocking progress for political gain. Democrats say Republicans are refusing to compromise.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said talks would continue over the weekend and instructed senators to stay in Washington for possible votes. The House of Representatives remains out of session.
President Donald Trump again suggested removing the Senate’s filibuster rule, which requires 60 votes for most legislation, allowing Republicans to pass funding without Democratic support. Lawmakers from both parties rejected the proposal.
Despite resistance, Trump repeated his demand on Friday. “If they can’t reach a deal, Republicans should end the filibuster and take care of our great American workers,” he wrote on Truth Social.
