Air travelers across the United States may find themselves bracing for more disruptions as some of the nation’s busiest airports are tasked with meeting an increased target set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to reduce flight numbers. This comes in the wake of the recent government shutdown, which has already led to the cancellation of thousands of flights to alleviate pressure on the aviation system.

Last week, the FAA instructed domestic airlines to cut 4% of their flights at 40 major airports, citing absenteeism and stress among air traffic controllers as critical safety concerns. As a result, over 7,900 flights have been canceled since Friday. The FAA’s objective is to further reduce flights, aiming for a 6% cut by Tuesday and a 10% reduction by Friday.

On Tuesday, more than 1,100 flights were canceled, as reported by FlightAware, a platform monitoring air travel disruptions. The exact number of additional flights that would need to be canceled remained uncertain.

Despite the FAA’s requirements, the average cancellation rate over recent days has already surpassed expectations, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. In response, the FAA extended its flight restrictions on Monday, prohibiting business jets and numerous private flights from utilizing a dozen airports already facing commercial flight limits.

Staff shortages among air traffic controllers continue to cause delays, including a significant five-hour hold for incoming flights at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Monday evening. The delays were exacerbated by wintry weather earlier that day. The FAA has cautioned that staffing issues at over a dozen towers and control centers could further delay departures to cities such as Phoenix, San Diego, New York, and Houston, among others.

Freezing weather in parts of the country on Tuesday could cause further delays and cancellations.

The Senate passed legislation Monday to reopen the government, but the bill still needs to clear the House and final passage could be days away. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy made clear last week that flight cuts will remain until the FAA sees staffing levels stabilize at its air traffic control facilities.

Many planes also aren’t where they’re supposed to be, which could slow the airlines’ return to normal operations even after the FAA lifts the order, said Mike Taylor, who leads research on airports and airlines at J.D. Power.

Todd Walker said he missed his mom’s 80th birthday when his flight was canceled over the weekend.

“All of this has real negative consequences for millions of Americans, and it’s 100% unnecessary and avoidable,” he said.

The FAA had come under criticism after its original order only applied to a very small subsection of private planes. But some want to see even more done.

Patriotic Millionaires, a group of wealthy Americans pushing for more progressive taxes, is calling for all private jets to be grounded during the shutdown.

“Rich people are taking their joyrides while average Americans don’t make it to grandma’s bedside in time,” said Erica Payne, its founder and president.

She added that none of its members that still fly private have reported cancellations or delays since the FAA’s order took effect.

Tuesday marks the second missed payday for controllers. Some have started calling out of work, citing stress and the need to take on second jobs.

It’s unclear how quickly controllers might be paid once the shutdown ends — it took more than two months to receive full back pay after the 35-day shutdown that ended in 2019, said Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.

President Donald Trump took to social media on Monday to pressure controllers to “get back to work, NOW!!!” He called for a $10,000 bonus for those who’ve stayed on the job and suggested docking pay for those who haven’t.

Daniels said the shutdown has made controllers’ demanding jobs even more stressful, leading to fatigue and increased risks. He said the number who are retiring or quitting is “growing” by the day.

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