If the U.S. government shutdown continues for an extended period, air travelers could face longer airport wait times, flight delays, and even cancellations.
The shutdown began Wednesday after President Donald Trump and Congress failed to reach a deal to fund government operations. While airports remain open, the people who keep them running — from air traffic controllers to TSA officers — are now working without pay.
Air Travel During a Shutdown
For now, most travelers won’t notice major disruptions:
- Control towers remain staffed with 13,200 air traffic controllers.
- Airport security checkpoints continue operating with more than 61,000 TSA employees.
But experts warn that the longer workers go unpaid, the greater the risk of problems.
“The system does become a little bit more brittle, and the longer this goes, the more the traveler is going to notice it,” said Jeffrey Price, aviation professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
In the 2018–2019 shutdown, some TSA officers began calling in sick after weeks without pay, while Miami International Airport had to temporarily close a terminal due to staffing shortages.
Staffing Shortages Could Amplify the Impact
This shutdown is unfolding against a backdrop of existing staffing challenges:
- The FAA is short about 3,000 air traffic controllers.
- TSA has already struggled with recruitment and retention.
If the system cannot handle scheduled flights, the FAA may slow down takeoffs and landings, leading to more delays and cancellations.
Aviation Safety Concerns
Nick Daniels, president of the union representing air traffic controllers, warned that the shutdown adds pressure to an already fragile system:
“They’re working right now with critical staffing — the lowest in decades, only 10,800 controllers where there should be 14,633. And they’re doing it with unreliable equipment.”
During the 35-day shutdown under Trump’s first term, controllers worked 60-hour weeks at the busiest facilities, while many TSA agents quit altogether.
Price noted:
“This is more than just an inconvenience to the traveler. This raises real safety and security concerns if the shutdown drags on.”
Travel Beyond Airplanes
- Amtrak: Will continue operating its 300+ daily trains across 46 states, the District of Columbia, and parts of Canada.
- International Arrivals: U.S. borders will remain open. About 63,000 Customs and Border Protection employees are still reporting for duty.
- Passports & Visas: Applications largely unaffected, since services are funded by application fees. However, the E-Verify system for employers is suspended.
Museums and National Parks
- Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo will remain open through at least October 6. Updates will be posted on their official site.
- National Parks: Most will stay open, but roads, trails, and memorials could close if garbage piles up or resources are damaged.
The National Park Service oversees 400+ sites, from Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon to the Statue of Liberty.
The Bottom Line
In the short term, most flights will operate normally. But if the shutdown drags on:
- TSA lines could grow longer.
- Delays and cancellations may increase.
- Aviation safety risks may rise.
For now, travelers are advised to plan extra time at airports and stay alert for updates as the situation evolves.
