The five-week U.S. government shutdown deepened on Friday after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced plans to reduce flight capacity at 40 major airports nationwide, sparking concerns over potential widespread travel disruptions.
The FAA according to reports said the move was prompted by mounting fatigue among air traffic controllers, many of whom have been working without pay since the shutdown began. The cuts are expected to affect busy airports in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Atlanta, among others, with potential ripple effects across the nation’s aviation network.
Lawmakers from both parties expressed concern over the disruption but continued to trade blame for the impasse.
Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) said the looming flight cancellations could push President Donald Trump to reengage in negotiations. “When commercial aviation is limited, it hits the economy hard,” Kaine said. “That should motivate the president to act.”
But Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) laid the responsibility squarely on Democrats, accusing them of keeping the government closed. “Tens of thousands of Americans will have their flights canceled every single day due entirely to Senate Democrats,” Cruz said.
The shutdown, which has dragged on for more than a month, stems from disagreements over spending priorities and immigration funding. The FAA’s decision came just days after a fatal cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky — a stark reminder of the safety risks in aviation, even though that incident was unrelated to staffing shortages.
At the White House, President Trump downplayed safety fears but acknowledged the FAA’s temporary flight reductions. “They want to make sure it’s 100 percent safe,” he told reporters Thursday.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said the Senate would vote Friday on a short-term funding bill that could reopen parts of the government through January. He expressed optimism about bipartisan support, though Democrats are pushing for a broader deal.
If talks fail, travel disruptions could worsen heading into the busy Thanksgiving season. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that “Thanksgiving travel could be really rough” if the shutdown continues.
Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) said the cutbacks would soon hit home for many travelers.
