America’s airports fell into chaos on Friday as more than 5,000 flights were cancelled or delayed. The mass disruption came after new federal mandates forced airlines to cut schedules because of the continuing government shutdown.
The new measures took effect at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, designed to reduce strain on air traffic controllers and federal employees still working without pay. Many have been calling in sick or taking extra jobs to survive as the shutdown drags into its second month.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered a 4% cut in flight numbers, warning that the figure will climb to 10% next week. Major hubs in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington DC have already been hit hard. FAA officials said controllers are working long shifts under heavy stress but continue to maintain safety.
Controllers at breaking point
Air traffic controllers, classified as essential workers, must continue their duties despite not being paid. Unions say the situation has created extreme fatigue, financial hardship, and serious concerns over safety.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said international routes remain unaffected due to binding international agreements. However, he warned that the disruption could deepen quickly if the shutdown continues. Speaking to reporters, Duffy said flight cuts could rise to 20% as more controllers stop showing up.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, condemned lawmakers for turning workers into political pawns. “We’ll keep showing up and doing the job,” he said. “But we can’t pay ourselves. Congress needs to reopen the government.”
The effects of the shutdown now stretch well beyond aviation, halting food programs, freezing loans, and stalling essential public services across the country.
Travellers stranded in nationwide gridlock
Passengers across the US faced long lines, confusion, and mounting frustration as cancellations multiplied. Airlines including Delta, United, and American offered rebooking, refunds, and waived fees to help stranded customers.
Joe Sullivan, travelling from Washington DC to Atlanta for his cousin’s wedding, received a cancellation notice while on his way to the airport. “I got rebooked twelve hours later,” he said. “I might make the ceremony, but I’ll miss the rest.”
Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, one of the world’s busiest, was among the sites affected by the cuts.
Many travellers scrambled for alternative transport. One woman paid $300 for a seven-hour train ride after her short flight was cancelled. Another passenger, Ndenisarya Meekins, said her trip to New York had to be rescheduled. “It’s nerve-racking flying now,” she said. “You know these people are working without pay, but you still trust them to keep you safe.”
Federal employee Ariana Jakovljevic, who hasn’t been paid in weeks, said the shutdown has taken a personal toll. “I just graduated and started my first job,” she said. “I thought I was secure, but now I’m living on savings.”
Frequent traveller Ben Sauceda said the crisis feels dangerous. “Controllers are amazing professionals, but they’re under crushing pressure,” he said. “The government must act before safety is compromised.”
Washington locked in political standoff
After 38 days, the shutdown shows no signs of ending. Lawmakers in both parties have resumed talks, but deep divisions remain over spending priorities.
Democrats proposed a new funding bill on Friday, but it is unlikely to pass the Senate, where 60 votes are needed and Republicans hold only 53 seats. Republicans accuse Democrats of stalling negotiations, while Democrats insist on including healthcare subsidies for low-income Americans in any deal.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said discussions would continue through the weekend and told senators to stay in Washington for potential votes.
President Donald Trump again called for eliminating the Senate filibuster rule, which requires 60 votes to pass most bills. Removing it would let Republicans approve a funding plan without Democratic support. Lawmakers from both parties rejected the idea.
Trump, however, 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.
