Over 2,000 flights in the US are canceled or delayed on Friday. Airlines were told to cut traffic during the government shutdown. Domestic flights at 40 of the country’s busiest airports will be affected. Officials are trying to ease pressure on air traffic controllers.

Airports have been grappling with air traffic controller shortages. Controllers are either calling in sick or taking side jobs. They work without pay during the federal government shutdown.

The US government shutdown has been ongoing since 1 October. Now in its 38th day, it is the longest shutdown in US history.

It means that around 1.4 m federal employees are on unpaid leave or are working without pay until government resumes. Shutdowns happen when Congress is incapable of agreeing a new spending plan for the president to sign into law. Democrats and Republicans often stay in gridlock for weeks, with both sides not showing willingness to compromise.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says reductions will start at 4% of internal flights. These reductions will increase to the full 10% by the end of next week. It warns up to 4,000 flights per day will be affected. Flight reductions are gradual. FAA says it started at 4% of domestic flights on Friday. It will rise to 6% by 11 November and 8% by 13 November. It will hit the full 10% by 14 November.

The FAA has released the full list of airports that will be experiencing cancellations to domestic flights:

• Southern US airports: Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), Louisville International (SDF), Memphis International (MEM)
• Florida airports: Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International (FLL), Miami International (MIA), Orlando International (MCO), Tampa International (TPA)
• Texas airports: Dallas Love (DAL), Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW), Houston Hobby (HOU), George Bush Houston Intercontinental (IAH)
• Washington, DC airports: Baltimore/Washington International (BWI), Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), Washington Dulles International (IAD)
• California airports: Los Angeles International (LAX), Oakland International (OAK), Ontario International (ONT), San Diego International (SAN), San Francisco International (SFO)
• Northwest airports: Anchorage International (ANC), Portland International (PDX), Seattle/Tacoma International (SEA)
• Midwest airports: Chicago Midway (MDW), Chicago O`Hare International (ORD), Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW), Indianapolis International (IND), Minneapolis/St. Paul International (MSP)
• Western airports: Denver International (DEN), Las Vegas Harry Reid International (LAS), Salt Lake City International (SLC), Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)
• New York, New Jersey, and upper east coast airports: New York John F. Kennedy International (JFK), New York LaGuardia (LGA), Newark Liberty International (EWR), Boston Logan International (BOS), Philadelphia International (PHL), Teterboro (TEB)
• Hawaii: Honolulu International (HNL)

What to do if your flight is delayed or canceled during the US government shutdown

Refunding passengers

Several of the largest US airlines are assuring customers they’ll be capable of getting full refunds for the canceled flights.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said any customer can get a refund on a flight. This applies even if the flight isn’t being canceled. This includes customers with non-refundable tickets and basic economy tickets. The airline also said it would waive any fare differences on a re-booked flight.

Delta Airlines has implemented a similar policy.

American Airlines will allow customers to change a flight without penalty. They can also ask for a refund, whether or not their specific flights have been canceled.

Southwest Airlines says that if customers’ flights are canceled, they can re-book or ask for a refund.

Frontier Airlines will let customers change or cancel their flights without a fee. However, they will need to pay any difference in fare on a re-booked flight. CEO Barry Biffle has suggested buying a “backup ticket” if you are heading to a wedding. Consider it also for a funeral. Use it for an event you must be at.