America’s air travel system collapsed into confusion on Friday as more than 5,000 flights were cancelled or delayed. The sweeping disruption followed new government rules ordering airlines to cut flight schedules amid the deepening federal shutdown.
The new mandates took effect at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports to ease pressure on air traffic controllers and other federal workers still reporting for duty without pay. Many of them have called in sick or taken second jobs to cope as the shutdown enters its second month.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered airlines to reduce flights by 4%, warning that the cut could rise to 10% next week. The reductions hit major hubs such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington DC. FAA officials said controllers are showing signs of fatigue but continue to keep airspace safe under immense stress.
Controllers under severe strain amid unpaid work
Air traffic controllers remain on the job despite receiving no paychecks since the shutdown began. Union leaders warn that prolonged stress, exhaustion, and financial hardship could put both staff and passengers at risk.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said international routes have not been affected yet due to standing global agreements. However, he cautioned that the crisis could escalate. Speaking to reporters, he said flight cuts could reach 20% if more controllers fail to report to work.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, accused Congress of using controllers as leverage in political battles. “We’ll keep showing up and doing our jobs,” he said. “But we can’t pay ourselves. Congress must act.”
The shutdown’s effects are now spreading far beyond aviation, halting food aid, delaying loans, and disrupting other key federal services nationwide.
Passengers face gridlock and frustration at airports
Across the country, airports descended into chaos as the new order took effect. Airlines including Delta, United, and American began offering free rebooking, refunds, and waived fees to stranded passengers.
Joe Sullivan, travelling from Washington DC to Atlanta for a wedding, learned his flight was cancelled mid-journey to the airport. “I got rebooked twelve hours later,” he said. “I might 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 facilities forced to cut operations.
Some passengers sought alternative routes. One traveller said she spent $300 on a seven-hour train ride after her one-hour flight was cancelled. Another, Ndenisarya Meekins, had her trip to New York postponed. “Flying right now feels tense,” she said. “You trust the staff, but it’s worrying knowing they’re unpaid.”
Federal worker Ariana Jakovljevic, who hasn’t received a paycheck in weeks, said the situation feels unreal. “I just started my first real job,” she said. “Now I’m wondering how long I can stay afloat.”
Frequent flyer Ben Sauceda said the shutdown’s impact reaches beyond inconvenience. “We’re trusting our lives to people who aren’t getting paid,” he said. “That’s unfair and unsafe. The government needs to end this.”
Political stalemate keeps shutdown unresolved
The shutdown, now in its 38th day, shows no clear end. Lawmakers from both parties have resumed talks, but sharp divisions remain.
Democrats proposed a new funding plan on Friday, yet it stands little chance in the Senate, where 60 votes are needed and Republicans hold 53 seats. Republicans accuse Democrats of holding up the process, while Democrats insist on including healthcare subsidies for low-income Americans in any agreement.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said negotiations would continue through the weekend and instructed senators to stay in Washington for potential votes.
President Donald Trump renewed his push to abolish the Senate filibuster rule, which requires 60 votes for most bills. Removing it would let Republicans pass a funding bill without Democratic backing, but lawmakers from both parties rejected the idea.
Despite resistance, 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.
