By Newsmax Wires | Friday, 07 November 2025 06:33 PM EST
Airlines canceled more than 1,000 flights across the United States on Friday as federal officials enforced an FAA order to reduce air traffic amid the prolonged government shutdown. The agency cited safety concerns, stating that unpaid air traffic controllers and TSA officers increasingly calling out of work have strained operations. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that reductions, currently near 10%, could rise to 20% if the shutdown continues, emphasizing efforts to “protect the safety of the flying public.”
The Federal Aviation Administration reported the slowdown began at roughly 4% earlier in the week, with plans to increase cuts to ease pressure on the system. Administrator Bryan Bedford described the measures as a “necessary step to prevent something worse,” noting signs of stress in air traffic operations. Friday’s cancellations marked five times the number scrubbed Thursday, according to flight-tracking service FlightAware.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport faced the highest impact, with 16% of arrivals canceled, while Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, and Chicago O’Hare each lost about 3% of flights. Airlines prioritized cutting smaller regional routes to minimize disruption for most travelers. Delta Air Lines canceled approximately 170 flights, American Airlines scrubbed around 220 daily through Monday, Southwest Airlines reduced roughly 120, and United Airlines rebooked most affected passengers quickly.
At George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, travelers endured massive security delays due to unpaid TSA workers. Meanwhile, some passengers resorted to alternative plans, such as a surgeon renting a U-Haul truck to drive cross-country after her flight was reassigned. Rental car companies reported surges in one-way bookings, with travelers labeling the crisis “collateral damage” from political gridlock.
Aviation experts warned of broader economic repercussions, noting disruptions to cargo, business travel, and tourism. The FAA revealed controllers now work six-day weeks with mandatory overtime as fatigue and absences escalate. Airports like Denver International have begun supporting federal workers through food pantries and temporary wage assistance proposals.
As the shutdown entered its sixth week, political efforts to resolve the impasse stalled. Senate Democrats proposed reopening the government in exchange for extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, while Republican leaders rejected the plan as unacceptable. President Donald Trump urged continued negotiations, reigniting calls to eliminate the filibuster to pass a funding bill. The deadlock left travelers navigating chaos amid ongoing uncertainty.
