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US flight cancellations surge as shutdown strains air traffic control
More than 5,000 flights across the United States were canceled or delayed on Friday as new federal mandates took effect, reducing air traffic to ease pressure on unpaid air traffic controllers during the ongoing government shutdown-the longest in US history.
FAA imposes flight cuts amid staffing crisis
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an emergency order requiring a 4% reduction in flights at 40 major airports, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, DC. This cut is expected to rise to 10% by next week if the shutdown persists. The measure aims to mitigate risks posed by understaffed control towers, where essential workers-including air traffic controllers-have been operating without pay since the shutdown began last month.
Unions representing the controllers report widespread fatigue and financial strain, with many employees calling in sick or taking second jobs to cover basic expenses. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed to the BBC that international travel remains unaffected due to existing agreements, but domestic disruptions could worsen. In a Fox News interview, Duffy warned that flight reductions might reach 20% if the shutdown drags on and absenteeism among controllers increases.
"We know the problems are going to get worse. They're going to increase, and anything that helps improve safety, we 100% stand by ensuring the safety of the American flying public."
Nick Daniels, President, National Air Traffic Controllers Association (via CNN)
Travellers scramble as airlines offer waivers
Major carriers-including Delta, United, and American Airlines-responded by waiving change fees or offering full refunds, even for unaffected flights. At Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, passenger Joe Sullivan learned of his canceled flight to Atlanta en route to the airport. "I ended up rebooked, but not until 12 hours later, he told the BBC, adding that he would miss pre-wedding plans but might still arrive in time for the ceremony. Others opted for costly alternatives: one traveler purchased a $300 train ticket for a seven-hour journey to avoid a canceled one-hour flight.
Ndenisarya Meekins, another stranded passenger, called the situation "nerve-wracking." "We're trusting that we have what we need to be safe," she said, expressing sympathy for unpaid TSA agents and controllers. "Your heart goes out to them."
Federal workers feel the pinch
Ariana Jakovljevic, a federal employee and recent college graduate, described the shutdown as a betrayal of her early career hopes. "I thought I had the golden ticket," she said. Meanwhile, traveler Ben Sauceda voiced concerns about safety: "I'm putting [my life] into the hands of people who aren't getting paid. The stresses on them are incredibly hard."
Congress stalemate continues, but talks resume
After weeks of inaction, negotiations resumed on Capitol Hill. Democrats proposed a funding bill on Friday, though its passage remains unlikely without Republican support. The Senate, split 53-47 in favor of the GOP, requires 60 votes to advance legislation. Republicans have repeatedly pushed short-term funding measures, which Democrats reject unless paired with extensions to healthcare subsidies for low-income Americans.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) told reporters that lawmakers would work through the weekend, urging senators to stay in Washington. President Donald Trump, frustrated by the gridlock, renewed calls to eliminate the Senate filibuster-a move opposed by members of both parties. "The United States Senate should not leave town until they have a Deal," Trump posted on Truth Social, advocating for filibuster abolition to pass funding without Democratic votes.
No end in sight
With the shutdown now in its 38th day, its resolution hinges on bipartisan compromise-or a dramatic procedural shift. Until then, air travelers and federal workers face mounting disruptions, from missed life events to unpaid bills. "The government needs to figure this out," Sauceda said.
