Shutdown puts U.S. air travel at operational risk
A partial U.S. government shutdown that began Oct. 1, 2025 forces FAA and TSA employees—designated as essential—to work without pay, raising the prospect that extended furloughs and financial strain could drive up sick calls and staffing shortages at airport security checkpoints and air‑traffic control, producing longer lines, delays and cancellations. The U.S. Travel Association warned such a shutdown could cost about $1 billion per week; Amtrak and passport offices say they can operate short term, but prolonged funding gaps would broaden impacts across the travel sector.
Transportation
Economy
🔍 Key Facts
- Shutdown began 12:01 a.m. Oct. 1, 2025; FAA and TSA define most employees as essential and expected to work during the closure.
- U.S. Travel Association estimates shutdown could cost the economy roughly $1 billion per week.
- Historical precedent: about 10% of TSA workers called in sick during the 34‑day 2018–2019 shutdown; the U.S. is currently short more than 2,800 air‑traffic controllers.
📍 Contextual Background
- The Social Security Administration's contingency plans provide that in the event of a lapse in appropriations the agency will follow those plans and beneficiaries would continue receiving Social Security, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.