US Shutdown Grounds 1,200 Flights Amid Budget Stalemate

More than 1,200 flights were canceled across the United States on Friday after the Trump administration ordered flight reductions to ease pressure on air traffic controllers working without pay amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The cuts affect 40 major airports, including key hubs in Atlanta, Newark, Denver, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles. The measures are being phased in gradually, beginning with a 4% reduction in flights, rising to 10% next week if Congress fails to end the impasse.

The shutdown, now nearing six weeks, has paralyzed several federal agencies since funding lapsed on October 1, with many government employees either furloughed or working without pay.

“This is frustrating. We don’t need to be in this position,” said American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, calling on lawmakers to resolve the deadlock.

More than 1,200 flights were canceled Friday, with about 3% of U.S. flights affected overall and 94% still departing on time. The most impacted airports were Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, Chicago O’Hare, Denver, and Phoenix.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy blamed Democrats for the continuing shutdown, urging them to vote for a short-term funding bill. However, with Republicans controlling Congress and Democrats opposing budget proposals that include healthcare cuts, the stalemate persists.

Passengers across the country are now feeling the strain. “This will get serious if things drag on to Thanksgiving,” said Werner Buchi, waiting at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.

Airlines have begun scaling back schedules:

• American Airlines: 220 daily flight cancellations

• Delta Air Lines: About 170 flights cut

• Southwest Airlines: Around 100 flights canceled

On Thursday alone, thousands of flights were delayed nationwide, with long lines reported at security checkpoints.

Despite the disruptions, officials insist that air travel remains safe. “It’s safe to fly today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the proactive actions we are taking,” Duffy assured travelers.

Still, with Thanksgiving travel season approaching, concerns are mounting as unpaid air traffic controllers and airport staff face mounting stress — and, in some cases, are calling in sick or taking second jobs just to get by.