The U.S. government officially shut down today, October 1, and while planes are still flying, the turbulence might not stay in the skies. A short lapse may have a limited effect on travelers, but the longer this drags on, the more chaotic your airport experience could become.
Does the government shutdown mean no flights?
Luckily, air traffic controllers and TSA agents are considered essential, which means they will continue to work—though without pay—until a deal is reached in Washington. “A government shutdown puts the integrity of the world’s safest aviation system at risk,” Captain Jody Reven, president of the union representing Southwest Airlines pilots, told the New York Times.
But will the shutdown affect air travel?
Maybe. Roughly a quarter of the FAA’s 45,000 employees have been furloughed, halting functions like rulemaking, some safety oversight and performance analysis. Equipment repairs and new safety initiatives could also be delayed, according to a letter aviation groups sent Congress this week. That may not cancel your flight, but it could gum up the system over time.
Has this happened before?
Yep. During the 2018–2019 shutdown, unpaid TSA agents and air traffic controllers began calling in sick in large numbers, sparking flight delays at airports across the East Coast. Even short shutdowns can ripple for weeks. “Past shutdowns have led to staffing shortages and avoidable safety challenges—consequences we cannot afford to repeat,” Reven added.
Which airlines will be affected?
Major airlines are already sounding alarms. Trade group Airlines for America—which counts Delta, United, American and Southwest among its members—warned that if funding lapses continue, “the system may need to slow down, reducing efficiency.” This means flights may continue to operate, but bottlenecks and delays are likely.
In the meantime, air passengers should pad their schedules, especially at mega-hubs like JFK, Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare and LAX, where even small staffing shortages cascade fast. “What we’ve seen in the past when the government shuts down is that airports slow down and our economy slows down with it,” Erik Hansen of the U.S. Travel Association said to USA Today.
The bottom line: Flights aren’t grounded, but patience is in high demand. The longer the political standoff lasts, the more likely travelers are to face slower lines, delayed departures and stressed-out staff. We’ll keep updating as this develops, so check your airline’s alerts—and maybe pack an extra book for the wait.