The United States is facing growing air travel chaos as the Trump administration orders a nationwide reduction in flights amid an ongoing government shutdown that has left air traffic controllers unpaid and overstressed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a 10 percent cut in flights across 40 major airports starting Friday, citing safety concerns. The unprecedented move marks a sharp escalation in the country’s longest shutdown, intensifying pressure on both political parties as air travel disruptions spread coast to coast.
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FAA Orders Nationwide Flight Cuts
The FAA confirmed Wednesday that it would throttle air traffic by 10 percent in 40 “high traffic” markets beginning Friday morning. The restrictions, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, will remain in place “until the data shows that things are moving in the right direction.” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford explained that the move was necessary to “take the pressure off of our controllers,” many of whom have been working without pay since the shutdown began.
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Controllers Struggle Without Pay
Air traffic controllers, among the most crucial personnel in aviation safety, have endured weeks of unpaid labor, prompting a growing number to call out sick. The deadlock between Democrats and Republicans over healthcare subsidies has left the aviation system under immense strain. Bedford noted, “We do recognize that the controllers have been working fastidiously for the last five weeks with this huge burden over their heads of lack of compensation, and we are starting to see some evidence that that fatigue is building.”
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Safety Risks Prompt Action
The FAA’s decision to limit flights is being described as a preventative step to avoid potential safety crises. Bedford emphasized, “We’re not going to wait for a safety problem to truly manifest itself when the early indicators are telling us we can take action today to prevent things from deteriorating.” The FAA also announced it would impose restrictions on space launches, which require intensive oversight from controllers already stretched thin.
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Worsening Staffing Shortages
Transportation Secretary Duffy had warned last week that he was prepared to “slow” or even “stop” air traffic if the shutdown continued to deplete staff. Currently, about 2,000 controllers remain unavailable, marking one of the most severe workforce shortages in decades. Halloween weekend, according to FAA data reviewed by CNN, saw 98 “staffing trigger” reports—instances where operations had to be adjusted to maintain safety amid low staffing levels. Officials described the holiday as the worst weekend for air traffic control since the shutdown began on October 1.
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Shutdown Becomes Political Weapon
The air travel crisis has deepened partisan divisions, with both sides trading blame over who’s responsible for the shutdown’s fallout. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz accused Democrats of endangering the public, saying on X, “Democrats are flirting with disaster. Millions of Americans are already dealing with flight delays and cancellations because of the Schumer Shutdown.” His comments reflect growing GOP efforts to reframe the crisis as a Democratic failure.
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Democrats Slam Trump Over Crisis
Democrats, meanwhile, have turned their outrage toward the White House, accusing President Trump of playing politics with public safety. California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said, “Trump’s shutdown is endangering American lives,” after a staffing shortage in his state forced a temporary ground stop. Democratic officials across several states have demanded that the administration end the impasse immediately to restore normal air traffic operations and prevent further disruptions.
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Nation Braces for More Disruption
As airlines brace for mass cancellations and delays, experts warn that the FAA’s 10 percent reduction could worsen travel chaos in the coming days. Industry insiders fear the slowdown could spread beyond the affected 40 markets if the shutdown continues. With no signs of a bipartisan deal in sight, the skies above America remain a visible symbol of political dysfunction and a growing source of frustration for millions of travelers.