Air Travel Faces Threat Amid Ongoing U.S. Government Shutdown

Fri Oct 10 2025 14:19:34 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

With the federal government shutdown entering its second week, staffing shortages are exacerbating flight delays across major U.S. airports, creating concerns for upcoming holiday travel.

As the federal government shutdown extends into its second week, airlines are grappling with increased flight delays attributed to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers and TSA workers. Although a vast majority of flights continue to depart on time, travel experts warn that prolonged inactivity could significantly impact holiday travel plans. Transportation officials are urging a swift resolution to the impasse between legislators to prevent further disruptions.

Staffing shortages have led to increased flight delays at airports across the U.S., as the federal government shutdown extends into its second week. Union leaders for air traffic controllers and airport security screeners have warned that the situation may worsen unless a resolution is reached soon.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported significant staffing issues at airports in cities like Nashville, Boston, Dallas, and Chicago, as well as at air traffic control centers in Atlanta, Houston, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. As a precaution, the FAA temporarily slowed aircraft takeoffs to these destinations.

Despite the recent delays, an estimated 92% of flights departing from U.S. airports remained on schedule as of Tuesday afternoon, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. However, the potential for more widespread disruptions in the aviation sector is rising. Travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt stated, “The longer the shutdown lasts, the more likely it is to impact holiday travel plans.”

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has highlighted an increase in air traffic controllers calling in sick, leading to further operational strain. “Air traffic controllers are already under significant pressure, and the shutdown only amplifies their challenges,” said Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. This situation has seen the Hollywood Burbank Airport shut down its control tower due to lack of staffing, resulting in average delays of two-and-a-half hours.

As air travel complications escalate, it is expected that air traffic controllers and TSA workers may face financial strain if the shutdown continues, as they will not receive their regular paychecks. Unions are advocating for immediate government re-opening to alleviate this burden.

Major airlines and aviation unions have called for swift action to end the shutdown, while airports are organizing support measures, such as food vouchers for workers and donations from food banks to assist those affected.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on lawmakers to resolve the deadlock and restore normal operations before holiday travel begins.