US airlines cancel more than 1,000 flights as shutdown disruptions widen

US airlines scrapped more than 1,000 flights on Friday as carriers complied with a federal order to reduce operations at major airports, adding to the strain on travelers already unsettled by the prolonged government shutdown.

The cancellations were driven largely by staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, many of whom have been working without pay for nearly a month. The Federal Aviation Administration ordered airlines to scale back service at the nation’s busiest hubs as more controllers called out due to financial stress and exhaustion.

Airlines said Friday’s disruptions represented a small fraction of total flights nationwide. However, passengers still faced long security lines and last-minute cancellations at 40 targeted airports, including Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, and Charlotte.

Carriers expect only limited delays through the weekend. International flights are not expected to be affected. Officials warned, however, that the situation could deteriorate next week if the shutdown continues and controllers miss their second paycheck on Tuesday.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said cancellations could rise from the current 10 percent cut to 15 or 20 percent if staffing levels fall further.

Longer Lines, Longer Drives

At Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, security lines before sunrise barely moved. Some passengers sat or lay down as they waited.

Cara Bergeron, who flew to Atlanta, said she had never seen the lines snake through so many parts of the terminal.

Others faced more severe disruptions. Karen Soika of Connecticut arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport to learn her flight had been moved an hour earlier and rerouted to depart from New York’s JFK Airport, at least an hour away.

Unable to secure a rental car to reach Utah for a weekend trip, Soika settled on a last resort.

“I’m going to U-Haul and I’m going to drive a truck cross-country,” said Soika, who is advising on medical scenes for a spinoff of the TV series Yellowstone.

Rental car companies reported a sharp jump in one-way bookings.

Airlines Work To Limit Damage

More than 1,000 flights were canceled Friday, five times the number scrubbed the day before, according to FlightAware.

Reagan National Airport in Washington was hit hardest, with 16 percent of its arrivals canceled. O’Hare, Atlanta, Denver, and Dallas-Fort Worth reported cancellation rates closer to 3 percent.

Not all cancellations were linked to the FAA order. Airlines said they prioritized cutting smaller regional routes where alternative flights were available. United and American said most affected passengers were rebooked quickly.

Delta canceled about 170 flights Friday. American plans to cancel 220 flights a day through Monday. Southwest eliminated about 120 flights.

The FAA said reductions will start at 4 percent of daily flights at the busiest airports and climb to 10 percent in the coming week.

Travelers worry the disruptions could worsen as the shutdown continues.

“I just don’t want to be stranded at the airport sleeping on a bench,” said Michele Cuthbert of Ohio, who plans to travel to Dallas. “Everyone’s paying the price for the politics going on. We’re just collateral damage.”

Ripple Effects on Cargo

If the shutdown extends, shipping costs could rise. Nearly half of US air freight moves in the belly of passenger jets, and fewer flights could limit cargo capacity.

“Air travel is part of the infrastructure backbone of the American economy,” said Greg Raiff, CEO of Elevate Aviation Group. “This shutdown will affect everything from cargo aircraft to business travel to tourism.”

Why Flights Are Being Cut

The FAA said the reductions are necessary to relieve pressure on controllers working six-day workweeks with mandatory overtime. Many are calling out as financial strain intensifies.

The cuts will remain in place until staffing stabilizes and safety metrics improve.

Some airports are stepping in. Denver International Airport has opened a food pantry for federal employees and asked the FAA for permission to use airport revenue to help cover controller wages.

What Travelers Can Do

Airlines are refunding passengers whose flights are canceled, as required by federal rules. They are not required to cover hotels or meals unless the delays fall under the airline’s control.

Travel advisers recommend that passengers monitor their flights closely, arrive early and prepare backup plans.

“People should be thinking about what their alternatives are,” said Christina Schlegel, a travel adviser from Virginia. “Know the other flights that are available. Have that information in your back pocket.”