The confusion stemmed from a headline about Kenai Aviation, a small airline serving a handful of Alaskan communities, suspending operations.

FAA orders schedule reductions at 40 domestic airports starting Friday due to the government shutdown, prompting United Airlines to offer customer refunds.

The government shutdown has triggered 1,000-plus flight delays as the FAA cuts capacity at 40 airports. Airlines are offering refunds and policy changes amid ongoing travel disruptions.

As the U.S. government shutdown enters its 37th day ( making it the longest in American history ), the Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA) has ordered the cancellation of 10 percent of flights at 40 major airports in the U.S.

Airline planning and scheduling teams went into overdrive to identify which flights to cut while minimizing consequences for customers, pilots, flight attendants and the bottom line.

Though not related to the government shutdown, job cuts at one of the 'Big Four' airlines come at a moment of strain for the travel industry.

The FAA announced plans to have airlines cut 10% of flights from the nation's 40 biggest airports. The move is aimed at reducing stress on air traffic controllers who have not been paid during the government shutdown. "We are headed to Syracuse to visit family. We are a little concerned about cancellations and delays," said passenger Diana Nino.

The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to announce Thursday which airports will be affected by nationwide flight reductions, prompted by the ongoing government shutdown.