Washington — The ongoing U.S. government shutdown is beginning to take a noticeable toll on air travel across the country, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordering a 4% reduction in domestic flights starting early Friday morning. The cuts, which went into effect at 6 a.m. ET, currently impact 40 major airports but could expand if staffing shortages worsen in the coming days.
The emergency action arrives amid growing concern over strained air traffic control operations, as thousands of essential employees continue working without pay. Should the shutdown persist into next week, the FAA has warned reductions may jump to 10%.
Hundreds of Flights Canceled
More than 800 flights across the U.S. were canceled by early Friday — roughly four times Thursday’s total — according to FlightAware data. American, Delta, United, and Southwest Airlines confirmed widespread cancellations, citing the federal order to reduce capacity. Passengers are entitled to refunds but will not be compensated for hotels or other associated costs per FAA policy.
Airline officials compare the situation to a severe weather day, though disruptions are spread across the country rather than isolated to specific regions.
Travelers Express Anxiety
At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the country’s busiest, early-morning operations looked deceptively normal, with most flights still departing on time. However, TSA screening lines were longer than usual, and travelers expressed mounting uncertainty.
In Phoenix, some flyers described “tons of anxiety” as they prepared to board. “You want to know the people keeping you safe are being taken care of,” said Pauline Lockwood, who already considers herself a nervous flier.
Retired air traffic controller Tim Kiefer warned that financial stress could affect focus: “When you’re wondering how to pay bills, it changes everything.”
Personal Plans in Limbo
Thousands of Americans are now bracing for disrupted vacations, missed celebrations, and costly rebookings. One New York traveler heading to Tampa expressed concern about returning home in time for a close friend’s wedding. In another case, a Delaware passenger missed her connecting flight to the Dominican Republic after arriving in Newark only to face a three-hour delay.
“I’m devastated,” she said, holding on the phone with customer service. “This shutdown is hurting real people.”
Political Stalemate in the Senate
Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, negotiations to reopen the government appear to have stalled. Senate Democrats signaled late Thursday that they would block a Republican-led push for a vote unless commitments are made to address rising health-care costs and expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies — a central issue driving the shutdown.
Republican leaders accused Democrats of backtracking on earlier progress. “They seem to be walking this back,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, noting uncertainty around today’s expected vote.
FAA Responds
Despite the mounting pressure, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford assured travelers that the skies remain safe.
“I want to applaud the controllers who continue to show up every day,” Bedford said. “But the data tells us we need to do more.”
Controllers have been working mandatory overtime and six-day weeks without pay for several weeks — a reality that experts warn is unsustainable.
Airports Impacted
The FAA’s order affects major hubs across the Northeast including:
Boston Logan International
New York LaGuardia
John F. Kennedy International
Newark Liberty International
Philadelphia International
Teterboro Airport, New Jersey
Additional regions are expected to join the list if staffing numbers continue to decline.
As the shutdown enters yet another uncertain stretch, travelers are urged to monitor flight notices closely — and brace for a challenging week ahead.