As the U.S. government shutdown stretches into its 34th day, the country’s aviation system is buckling under growing pressure. Thousands of air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are working without pay, leading to widespread delays, cancellations, and a mounting crisis for both airlines and passengers. Federal officials warn that conditions could deteriorate further if a funding resolution is not reached soon.
Staffing Shortages Disrupt Flights Nationwide
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that nearly half of all major air traffic control centers across the United States are now short-staffed, forcing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to slow operations for safety reasons. “We will delay, we will cancel, any kind of flight across the national airspace to make sure people are safe,” Duffy said, adding that the situation could worsen before improving.
The ripple effects have been immediate and severe. Newark Liberty International Airport saw multiple ground stops over the weekend, with delays exceeding three hours and more than 120 flights canceled. Similar disruptions hit New York’s JFK and LaGuardia airports, while Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental reported three-hour security lines due to reduced TSA staffing. Dallas, Austin, and Washington airports are now facing growing backlogs as controller absences multiply.
According to Airlines for America, more than 3.2 million passengers have been impacted by delays or cancellations since the shutdown began on October 1. The association said that 79% of recent flight delays were directly linked to air traffic control staffing issues, up sharply from the pre-shutdown average of 5%. Even airports previously reporting normal operations, such as Los Angeles International, have now begun experiencing rolling slowdowns as shortages spread.
Duffy acknowledged that many controllers are struggling to provide for their families while continuing to work unpaid. “They’re trying to put food on the table,” he said, urging patience as the FAA and the administration explore emergency funding options.
Airlines and Industry Leaders Press for Resolution
Airline executives have expressed growing alarm over the crisis. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby noted that the shutdown is beginning to affect flight bookings and could disrupt the upcoming holiday travel season. Industry leaders, including Airlines for America President Chris Sununu and major carrier CEOs, have called on Congress to pass a “clean continuing resolution” to reopen the government and restore pay for essential workers.
The U.S. Travel Association estimates that the country has already lost nearly $4.6 billion in travel spending since the shutdown began. With air traffic increasingly constrained and TSA wait times soaring, travelers are facing significant uncertainty across the nation’s major hubs.
For now, the FAA continues to operate at reduced capacity, prioritizing safety above all else. However, experts warn that prolonged shortages could compromise efficiency, leading to even longer delays. Duffy emphasized that if the system becomes unsafe, he would not hesitate to halt all U.S. air traffic altogether.
The growing disruption underscores how fragile the nation’s aviation infrastructure becomes when political gridlock stalls critical funding. As the shutdown drags on with no clear resolution in sight, millions of passenger – and the broader travel industry – remain grounded in uncertainty.
