The government shutdown, already forcing millions of Americans to go hungry without Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, sending health care costs soaring, and leaving thousands of federal workers without pay, has now reached the skies above Washington, D.C.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced plans to cut roughly 10% of flights at Reagan National, Dulles International, and Baltimore-Washington International airports because of severe staffing shortages caused by the shutdown.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the reductions were necessary to protect safety as unpaid air traffic controllers face fatigue and financial strain.
“Some of those who don’t show up continue to not show up, which means we have those who come to work, they’re working longer hours, they’re working more days, and that’s some of the pressure that we’re seeing on them,” Duffy stated. “We want to alleviate that pressure before it becomes an issue.”
The shutdown has left thousands of essential federal workers in the nation’s capital unpaid for more than a month. Many are air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and aviation support staff who keep D.C.’s major airports running.
Travelers in the region are being warned to expect major disruptions, including cancellations and extended delays. Crystal Nosal, spokesperson for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, said the timing could not be worse.
“Holiday travel does start before Thanksgiving,” she said. “From Veterans Day on, we look at increased airport travel. It’s the busiest time of the year through New Year’s.”
The crisis worsened earlier this week when a bomb threat at Reagan National temporarily stopped all flights. Federal agents evacuated passengers and searched the airport before declaring the threat unfounded. Audio from air traffic control captured the tense moments.
“We have an unconfirmed bomb report for your flight. We have to get you away from the airport,” a controller told one pilot as flights were diverted and grounded.
The FBI later said a caller using a robotic voice had demanded a ransom in cryptocurrency. Although no explosives were found, the incident exposed how fragile airport operations have become during the shutdown. Workers already under financial and emotional strain are being forced to manage potential security emergencies without full support or pay.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the 10% reduction in air traffic was designed to prevent an aviation disaster, pointing to fatigue and stress among controllers as a growing concern. United Airlines said it will give travelers several days’ notice before canceling flights but acknowledged that the cuts will heavily affect domestic routes serving D.C. and nearby cities.
Inside Reagan National Airport, the shutdown’s effects are visible.
Security lines stretch for hours, stranded passengers fill concourses, and essential workers hand out flyers describing themselves as “unpaid air traffic controllers” still trying to keep the skies safe. Some local governments have stepped in to offer relief. Prince George’s County announced $1 million in emergency funds for furloughed workers struggling to pay rent and buy food.
As the shutdown enters its sixth week, it has tied for the longest in U.S. history. Across the Washington region, airports that once symbolized connection and progress have become reminders of dysfunction. The capital city, which depends heavily on federal operations, now faces economic paralysis on the ground and in the air.
One D.C. air traffic controller described the uncertainty facing his colleagues.
“I’m an unpaid air traffic controller trying to keep people safe in the skies while wondering how to afford groceries,” the individual stated.
