Amid U.S. Government Shutdown, FAA Mandates Flight Cuts – Over 1,200 Flights Cancelled Nationwide

washington, D.C.: More than 1,200 U.S. flights were cancelled on Friday as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed mandatory flight reductions to relieve mounting strain on air traffic controllers working without pay during the ongoing Government Shutdown. Major airports across the nation – including Atlanta, Denver, Newark, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles – were heavily affected.

The FAA confirmed that the reduction in scheduled flights was necessary after an increasing number of controllers began calling in sick amid severe financial hardship. The federal government shutdown, now approaching its sixth week, has left thousands of “essential” aviation employees without paychecks since October 1.

FAA-Mandated Reductions Begin at 4%, Could Rise to 10%

According to officials, flight reductions began at four percent on Friday and could climb to as high as ten percent next week if congress fails to reach a funding agreement. The measure impacts operations at 40 major airports, forcing airlines to slash schedules and reschedule crew assignments.

Despite the widespread domestic disruption, international flights remain largely unaffected, airline executives confirmed. However, domestic passengers continue to face long queues, extended delays, and sudden cancellations due to the cascading impact on scheduling systems.

Airlines Struggle to Manage Disruptions

According to flight-tracking service FlightAware, more than 1,200 flights were cancelled and thousands more delayed on Friday. American Airlines reported roughly 220 cancellations, Delta Air Lines about 170, and Southwest Airlines around 100.

Airports such as Boston Logan, Chicago O’Hare, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, and Washington’s Reagan National reported average delays exceeding one hour. At Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, passengers described security lines stretching into terminals, with some lying on the floor as they waited to clear checkpoints.

Travelers Frustrated as Shutdown Chaos Deepens

The travel disruptions underscore the real-world consequences of the prolonged U.S. government shutdown, which has left many federal workers either furloughed or working without pay. As the Thanksgiving travel season approaches, airlines warn that continued political gridlock could worsen the situation dramatically.

At LaGuardia Airport in New York, frustrated travelers voiced their anger. “This is hurting a lot of people,” said Rhonda, 65, who missed her connecting flight to Chicago. Another passenger, retiree Werner Buchi, added, “This will get serious if things drag on to Thanksgiving.”

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sought to reassure the public that despite operational challenges, “flying remains safe, and our air traffic teams are working tirelessly to maintain safety standards.”

Mounting Pressure on the U.S. Aviation System

The ongoing shutdown – now officially the longest in U.S. history – continues to strain the aviation system, with 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA officers working without pay. Experts warn that the morale crisis among unpaid staff could soon pose a systemic risk if the standoff continues.

Airlines have begun offering flexible rebooking and full refunds to affected passengers, though logistical bottlenecks persist as carriers realign crews and aircraft availability. Industry analysts expect the cancellations to increase further next week if the FAA extends its reduction order.