American air travellers expressed grave safety concerns on Friday as over 5,000 flights faced disruption whilst air traffic controllers worked their 38th consecutive day without pay during the historic government shutdown.

"I'm entrusting my life, every time I'm flying, with air traffic controllers," said passenger Ben Sauceda at Washington's Reagan National Airport.

"Right now I'm putting it into the hands of people who aren't getting paid, and that puts stress on them when they're trying to figure out how to feed their families." Sauceda emphasised the impossible position controllers face: "We're asking them to be top notch, to protect us. The stresses put on them are incredibly hard."

The Federal Aviation Administration implemented emergency mandates requiring 4% flight cuts at 40 major airports, escalating to 10% next week and potentially 20% if the shutdown continues. Controllers have been reporting severe fatigue and stress-related illnesses whilst working without wages, forcing many to take second jobs.

Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, described workers as 'political pawns' in the congressional standoff. "We cannot suddenly put money in our own pockets," he told media. "We need Congress to open the government."

Traveller Ndenisarya Meekins echoed safety worries: "We're trusting that we have what we need to be safe. Your heart goes out to these folks working without pay."

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned disruptions could worsen significantly without immediate congressional action to end America's longest government shutdown.