Hundreds of U.S. flights slated for Friday are being cut as the FAA phases in reductions to ease pressure on unpaid air traffic controllers during the government shutdown. An order targets 40 airports across more than two dozen states, starting with 4% fewer flights Friday and building to 10%. Nearly 500 Friday flights were already canceled, many on Delta, United and American. United and Delta will offer refunds, and package hubs in Memphis and Louisville could see disruptions. Officials warned of potential chaos if the shutdown persists, and the timeline to restore schedules is unclear.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.