More than 1,200 flights cut across U.S. in government paralysis

Over 1,200 U.S. flights were canceled on Friday after the Trump administration ordered flight reductions to ease pressure on unpaid air traffic controllers amid a federal government shutdown. The cuts affect 40 major airports, including Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles, and could rise from 4% to 10% next week if Congress fails to end the funding deadlock.

The shutdown, now nearly six weeks old, stems from a political standoff over healthcare subsidies, leaving many federal workers unpaid or furloughed. Airlines like American, Delta, and Southwest have canceled hundreds of flights daily, causing major delays and frustration for travelers ahead of the Thanksgiving season.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy blamed Democrats for blocking a funding bill, though Republicans control Congress. The ongoing shutdown is increasingly disrupting daily life and air travel across the country.

Credit : CGTN