WASHINGTON DC: More than 1,000 flights to, from, or within the United States were cancelled on Saturday (local time) as airlines continued to reduce operations amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.

According to flight tracker FlightAware, nearly 4,000 flights were delayed, a decline from more than 7,000 delays on Friday.

Earlier this week, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it would cut air travel capacity by up to 10% at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports.

The decision came as air traffic controllers—working without pay during the shutdown—reported growing fatigue and safety concerns.

The political deadlock in Congress continues, with Republicans and Democrats still divided on how to end the funding impasse that has kept the government closed since October 1.

Saturday marked the 39th day of the longest government shutdown in US history, with millions of Americans now feeling the effects—from delayed flights to reduced food aid payments.

Senators remained in Washington over the weekend for bipartisan negotiations aimed at reaching an agreement to reopen the government.

At Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, travellers faced some of the longest wait times in the country.

As of Saturday afternoon, arrivals were delayed by an average of more than four hours, while departures faced average delays of 1.5 hours, according to FAA data.