American air travel faces unprecedented disruption as the Federal Aviation Administration escalates mandatory flight reductions during the government shutdown. What began as a 4% cut on Friday is set to reach 10% by next week, with warnings of 20% reductions if the crisis continues.

The emergency order affects 40 major airports across the United States, including hubs in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington DC. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the escalating cuts during a Fox News interview, warning that continuing air traffic controller absences could trigger the most severe 20% reduction.

More than 5,000 flights were cancelled or delayed on Friday alone as the initial 4% mandate took effect. Airlines including Delta, United and American responded by offering full refunds and fee waivers to passengers, even those whose flights remained operational.

Air traffic controllers, working without pay for over a month during America's longest government shutdown, are at the crisis centre. Essential workers have been calling in sick or taking second jobs whilst managing stress-related illnesses, creating dangerous staffing shortages at control towers nationwide.

Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, described the situation as using workers as 'political pawns'. Controllers continue reporting for duty despite not receiving wages, but fatigue levels are rising dangerously. International travel remains unaffected due to existing agreements, though domestic chaos continues spreading.

The 38-day shutdown shows minimal progress on Capitol Hill, with Senate negotiations ongoing but no resolution in sight.