Chaos at US Airports as Hundreds of Flights Cancelled Amid Deepening Government Shutdown

Hundreds of flights across the United States were cancelled on Friday as airlines began cutting schedules under emergency orders issued during the ongoing federal government shutdown — now the longest in US history.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has instructed airlines to reduce domestic flights by up to 10% at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, as staff shortages among unpaid air traffic controllers threaten to cripple operations. The cuts began with a 4% reduction on Friday and are expected to climb to 10% by 14 November, affecting as many as 4,000 flights per day.

Airlines that exceed their allotted capacity face fines of up to $75,000 (£57,000) per flight, according to the Department of Transportation. Several carriers, including United Airlines and Delta, have promised full refunds for passengers affected by cancellations.

The shutdown has pushed thousands of federal aviation workers to the brink, with many air traffic controllers working long hours without pay. Some have taken second jobs or called in sick as the financial strain mounts.

“Air traffic control requires 100% focus, 100% of the time,” said Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA). “But my colleagues are worried about putting gas in their cars and food on the table.”

Daniels revealed that many controllers have received zero income for over a month, leading to evictions and resignations. “We’re seeing mid-career professionals walk away. One controller was evicted from his apartment this week,” he told reporters.

A single father and air traffic controller, writing for MSNBC, described delivering food after long shifts just to survive. “Like many families, we didn’t plan for a shutdown. Yet the bills don’t stop,” he said, adding that he now sleeps just two hours a night.n

Meanwhile, the shutdown has reignited a bitter political standoff between Republicans and Democrats, who continue to trade blame as the crisis enters its second month.

The White House website now displays a countdown clock accusing Democrats of “shutting down the government,” while Republicans insist their opponents should support a clean funding bill. Democrats argue they are standing firm on measures to protect health care and social spending.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the situation is “unsustainable,” noting that “controllers are wearing thin” as morale plummets.

With no resolution in sight, travellers face growing uncertainty — and a stark reminder that even America’s most vital systems can grind to a halt when politics takes flight.