US Air Travel Faces Disruptions as Partial Government Shutdown Looms

With just two days left until a potential partial federal government shutdown on Wednesday, US airlines are warning of potential disruptions and delays in air travel. The shutdown, if it occurs, will force air traffic controllers and security officers to work without pay, which could significantly impact the efficiency and safety of air travel.

Airlines for America, a trade group representing major airlines such as United, Delta, American, and Southwest, has issued a warning that “the system may need to slow down, reducing efficiency” and causing inconvenience for travelers. This is just the latest consequence of the ongoing political dispute in Washington over government funding.

The consequences of a shutdown were seen during a 35-day shutdown in 2019, when absences by controllers and TSA officers rose as workers missed paychecks. This resulted in longer wait times at airport security checkpoints and forced the FAA to limit air traffic in New York. The standoff was eventually resolved when pressure from lawmakers led to a resolution.

The current shutdown is expected to begin on Wednesday unless an agreement is reached between Democrats and Republicans on a government funding bill. However, after a meeting on Monday, Congressional Democratic leaders left without reaching a deal with President Donald Trump.

In addition to airline groups, aviation unions, manufacturers, and airports, hundreds of air traffic control trainees at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City could also face furloughs. This could worsen the ongoing air traffic controller staffing crisis, as the FAA is already 3,800 controllers short of targeted staffing levels.

But what exactly is a government shutdown and how does it occur? A shutdown happens when Congress fails to pass funding for some or all agencies, preventing them from spending money until the necessary legislation is passed. This is usually done through a dozen appropriations bills, which must be approved by Congress and signed by the president before the new fiscal year begins on October 1, 2025.

In the event of a shutdown, agencies are required to cease operations, with certain exceptions, as per the Antideficiency Act. This act also prohibits the government from entering into financial obligations without congressional approval. While there have been 14 shutdowns since 1980, it is still uncertain if a shutdown will occur this time around, as none of the 12 appropriations bills have been enacted ahead of the deadline.

In conclusion, a potential partial government shutdown could have significant impacts on US air travel, causing disruptions and delays for passengers. The airline industry, along with other aviation groups, is urging lawmakers to reach a resolution to avoid the potential consequences of a shutdown.