Hundreds of US flights have been canceled, leading to travel disruptions as passengers are left stranded. The cancellations are a result of a directive from federal officials to reduce capacity at 40 major airports due to the ongoing Government shutdown.

Millions of travelers are now experiencing chaos, facing long queues and significant delays. The decision, affecting only domestic flights, was made in response to reports of fatigue among air traffic controllers, according to the head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Approximately 1.4 million federal workers, including air traffic controllers and park wardens, are either working without pay or on mandatory leave due to the lack of a funding budget approved by the US Congress.

Major airports such as those in Chicago, Atlanta, New York, and Washington DC are among the facilities impacted by the reduced service. US Vice President JD Vance has issued a warning, labeling the situation an “aviation emergency.”

The reduction in flights will be implemented gradually, starting at 4% of domestic flights on Friday and increasing to 6% by November 11, 8% by November 13, and reaching 10% by November 14.