Washington, D.C., 2 October 2025 — The ongoing US government shutdown is threatening to paralyse the nation’s aviation system, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) preparing to furlough more than 11,000 employees. The cuts, which affect nearly a quarter of the agency’s workforce, are expected to cause significant disruption at major airports including Washington D.C., New York, and Los Angeles.
While 13,000 air traffic controllers and nearly 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers will continue working without pay, industry experts warn that prolonged strain on unpaid staff could lead to absenteeism, delays, and potential safety risks. During the 2018–2019 shutdown, similar conditions forced temporary flight halts at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.
The U.S. Travel Association estimates the shutdown could cost the travel economy $1 billion per week, with ripple effects across airlines, airports, and passengers. Training for new air traffic controllers, infrastructure upgrades, and regulatory oversight are also expected to stall, compounding long-term challenges for the aviation sector.
Transportation officials have pledged to maintain core safety functions, but airlines and unions are bracing for cascading delays and reduced efficiency if the political deadlock in Congress continues.
Sources: Forbes, AeroTime, Columbus Dispatch.
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