Hundreds of flights were cancelled across the United States on Friday after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered airlines to reduce traffic at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports to relieve pressure on air traffic controllers working without pay during the ongoing government shutdown.
The reductions will begin with a 4% cut in domestic flights on Friday, rising incrementally to 10% by November 14. At peak, up to 4,000 flights per day could be affected, including major hubs such as New York’s JFK, Los Angeles LAX, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Control towers have been grappling with staff shortages as many air traffic controllers either call in sick or take second jobs to make ends meet. Some are working 10-hour days, six days a week, without income, while others face financial and personal hardships, including eviction.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the reductions are aimed at easing pressure on the system and maintaining safety.
“My number one job is safety. These steps are pre-emptive to reduce stress on air traffic controllers,” he told CBS News.
Airlines have assured passengers that full refunds will be available for cancelled flights. Meanwhile, car rental companies such as Hertz report a surge in bookings, with one-way rentals up more than 20% as travellers look for alternatives.
The shutdown, which began on October 1, is now in its 38th day, making it the longest in US history. Around 1.4 million federal employees are affected, either on unpaid leave or working without pay.
Lawmakers remain deadlocked over funding, with Republicans blaming Democrats for failing to pass a “clean” spending resolution and Democrats insisting on including measures addressing rising healthcare costs for lower-income Americans.
The FAA-mandated reductions follow an emergency order aimed at gradually scaling back operations: 4% on November 8, 6% by November 11, 8% by November 13, and 10% by November 14. Airlines face fines of up to $75,000 per flight if they exceed capacity limits.
The president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association highlighted the human cost of the shutdown.
“Air traffic control requires 100% focus, 100% of the time,” he said. “Fatigue, financial stress, and uncertainty are driving some experienced controllers to resign, putting safety at risk.”
Flight tracking data shows major carriers have already cancelled hundreds of flights: SkyWest over 170, Southwest around 120, and United 64, with more expected as the reductions escalate.
With 14,000 controllers managing more than 16 million flights annually, even small staffing disruptions have major consequences for air travel.
Analysts warn that if the shutdown continues, further operational disruptions and safety concerns could intensify.
