U.S. Government Shutdown Causes Aviation Chaos

Air traffic controllers and security personnel are working without pay, potentially causing delays and cancellations. Meanwhile, Amtrak trains continue to run, and international travel remains unaffected.

, and Administrator

2025 October 2 . 2:19 PM

1 min read

U.S. Government Shutdown Causes Aviation Chaos

A U.S. government shutdown, triggered by a funding dispute, is causing ripples in the aviation industry. Airbnb hosts and security personnel are working without pay, potentially leading to delays and cancellations. Meanwhile, Amtrak trains continue to operate, and international travel remains unaffected.

The shutdown, now in its second week, is occurring during staffing shortages at the TSA and FAA. This combination could exacerbate delays and cancellations, with air traffic controllers and security screeners working under stress and without pay. In previous shutdowns, unpaid screeners called in sick, leading to terminal closures.

The E-Verify system, used to confirm employment eligibility, is temporarily shut down. Amtrak, however, continues to run its services independently of government shutdowns. International travel into the U.S. should not be significantly impacted, as ports of entry are expected to remain open.

The longer the shutdown lasts, the more likely travelers are to experience issues such as longer security lines and flight interruptions. The aviation safety system is weakened by the added stress on controllers and reduced support staff. President Trump and Congress have yet to reach a deal to fund government services and operations, keeping the shutdown in effect.