As the U.S. federal government shutdown stretches into its 38th day, travelers across the country face increased flight cancellation, delays, and rerouted itineraries. The Department of Transportation has ordered airlines to cut flights at 40 major airports across the United States, beginning with four percent cut on Friday and ramping up to 10 percent by next Friday. The move was necessary due to severe staffing shortages. At the Newark Liberty International Airport, one of the busiest hubs in the United States, passengers were seeing fewer crowds, flights were delayed averagely for two to three hours this week, and security checkpoints were operating with minimal staffing -- often just one lane per screening area. During the government shutdown, thousands of air traffic controllers and ground personnel continue working without pay, while others have called in sick due to stress or taken part-time jobs to support their families, leading to a rise in absenteeism. According to local media reports, nearly half of the major air traffic control facilities across the United States are understaffed, with the New York area facing a critical shortfall of nearly 90 percent. As airlines begun slashing flights, with some routes canceled just hours before departure, travelers had to make itinerary changes, prolonging their journey. Former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) official and aviation safety expert Philip Mann warned that the current disruptions may be just the beginning. "What we'll see is more flights canceled, more flights delayed, which is basically just reflecting fewer flights being allowed to fly. And what we'll start seeing at airports for the TSA side of it is we'll probably see the security lines running maybe a little bit slower or maybe a little bit fewer," said Mann. On Friday, the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) issued a ground stop order, suspending all outbound flights until 22:00 Eastern Time. As the longest U.S. government shutdown in American history persists, its impact extends beyond transportation. The Congressional Budget Office estimates a potential one to two-percent drag on fourth-quarter GDP. With Thanksgiving travel looming, the coming weeks could be even more challenging. "It's very scary to have somebody that you love traveling and all of this mess," said a traveler. Some expressed dismay with the political gridlock and its growing impact on on people's lives. "It's definitely frustrating. It feels a little bit out of my hands at this moment, so nothing much I can do. But I hope they get it together soon," said another. "It is (challenging) for many families, concerned parents, especially with college students coming home. So it could be very disappointing," said a traveler. The video shows: New Jersey State, USA - Nov 7, 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland) 1. Travelers at Newark Liberty International Airport 2. Various of check-in counter, baggage carts 3. Various of travelers at airport 4. Various of signs showing "TSA Pre" "Travel with Ease" 5. Empty security check lane 6. Various of travelers passing security check, walking at airport 7. Various of planes at airport 8. SOUNDBITE (English) Philip D. Mann, former official with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and aviation safety expert: "What we'll see is more flights canceled, more flights delayed, which is basically just reflecting fewer flights being allowed to fly. And what we'll start seeing at airports for the TSA side of it is we'll probably see the security lines running maybe a little bit slower or maybe a little bit fewer." San Francisco, USA - Nov 7, 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland) 9. Various of travelers at airport, screens showing flight information Arlington County, Virginia State, USA - Nov 7, 2025 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland) 10. Various of travelers at airport 11. SOUNDBITE (English) traveler (name not given): "It's very scary to have somebody that you love traveling and all of this mess. Yes." 12. SOUNDBITE (English) traveler (name not given): "It's definitely frustrating. It feels a little bit out of my hands at this moment, so nothing much I can do. But I hope they get it together soon." 13. SOUNDBITE (English) traveler (name not given): "It is for many families, concerned parents, especially with college students coming home. So it could be very disappointing." 14. Various of planes at airpor [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]