The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has thrust the nation’s air traffic control system into a precarious position, with air traffic controllers working without pay amid persistent staffing shortages and growing concerns about aviation safety. The shutdown, which began at midnight on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to resolve a funding deadlock, is exacerbating longstanding issues within the aviation sector, placing immense pressure on an already overburdened system. As the stalemate continues, fears are mounting that the combination of unpaid workers, understaffing, and outdated technology could compromise the safety of the skies, with ripple effects across industries like travel and hospitality.
According to a recent report, air traffic controllers, deemed essential workers, are required to continue their duties despite not receiving paychecks. This situation echoes the challenges faced during the 2018-2019 government shutdown, which lasted 35 days and was the longest in U.S. history. During that period, controllers resorted to drastic measures to make ends meet. Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), highlighted at a September 10, 2025, event that controllers took on side jobs, such as driving for Uber, to cover critical expenses like medication for family members. The financial strain and stress of working without compensation led to a “sickout” in 2018-2019, where controllers called in sick en masse, contributing to the eventual resolution of that shutdown. Daniels warned that similar actions could occur if the current situation persists, potentially disrupting air travel nationwide.
The aviation system is already grappling with significant challenges, including a critical shortage of air traffic controllers. Currently, over 10,000 controllers are managing the nation’s airspace, often working long hours under intense pressure. The staffing crisis has been a persistent issue, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) struggling to recruit and retain enough qualified personnel. A January 29, 2025, midair collision near Washington, D.C., further underscored the urgency of addressing these problems. The tragic incident involved a PSA Airlines CRJ-700 jet, operating for American Airlines, colliding with a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The crash resulted in the deaths of all 64 passengers aboard the jet and all three passengers in the helicopter, as both aircraft plummeted into the Potomac River. The disaster prompted renewed calls for improved safety measures, increased controller hiring, and upgrades to the FAA’s aging technological infrastructure.
In response to the January crash, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has prioritized bolstering controller staffing levels. Unlike a March 2025 contingency plan, which included furloughs for some FAA employees, the current shutdown plan ensures that no air traffic controllers will be furloughed. Additionally, FAA Academy classes, field training, and controller hiring will continue uninterrupted. These measures mark a shift from previous shutdown strategies, reflecting the government’s recognition of the critical role controllers play in maintaining aviation safety. However, the broader impact of the shutdown on the FAA’s operations remains a concern. A 2023 FAA review highlighted how repeated funding lapses disrupt critical activities, including modernization efforts and routine flight operations, which are essential for ensuring the safety and efficiency of the aviation system.
The shutdown’s economic toll is also significant. The U.S. Travel Association estimates that the funding lapse could cost industries such as airlines and hotels $1 billion per week. This figure underscores the far-reaching consequences of the shutdown, which extends beyond federal employees to private-sector businesses that rely on a stable aviation system. The ripple effects are particularly concerning for the travel industry, which is still recovering from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other recent challenges.
The political impasse driving the shutdown stems from disagreements between Senate Democrats and Republicans over funding legislation. On Wednesday, Senate Democrats rejected a Republican-backed proposal, previously passed by the House of Representatives, to extend government funding at current levels through late November. Only three Democrats supported the measure, falling far short of the 60 votes needed to advance the legislation in the Senate. Democrats have pushed for broader reforms in any budget agreement, including reversing parts of President Donald Trump’s tax law that reduced Medicaid funding and extending subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the U.S.’s quasi-universal health care law. Republicans, in turn, have accused Democrats of attempting to secure funding for health care for undocumented migrants—a claim Democrats have firmly denied. The Republican-controlled Senate also rejected a Democratic stopgap funding bill on Tuesday evening, further deepening the deadlock.
The failure to pass a funding bill has led to significant disruptions across federal operations. While essential employees, such as air traffic controllers, are required to work without pay, approximately 12,000 Transportation Department employees, primarily at the FAA, face furloughs. Other federal workers have been placed on mandatory leave until a new budget is approved. President Trump has added to the uncertainty by threatening layoffs during the shutdown, a move that could further destabilize federal agencies and the services they provide.
The aviation sector’s challenges are compounded by longstanding issues that predate the shutdown. For years, experts have called for modernization of the FAA’s technology, much of which is outdated and prone to failures. The January crash heightened scrutiny of these deficiencies, prompting discussions about the need for advanced radar systems, improved communication tools, and better training programs for controllers. Following the 2018-2019 shutdown, the former chair of the House Transportation Committee introduced legislation to ensure the FAA could continue operating during funding lapses, but Congress failed to pass the bill. The absence of such protections has left the aviation system vulnerable to the disruptions caused by the current shutdown.
Deputy Transportation Secretary Steven Bradbury, speaking at a Politico event on Tuesday, sought to reassure the public about the resilience of air traffic controllers. He described them as dedicated professionals whose performance would not be compromised by the shutdown. However, this optimism contrasts with the concerns raised by union leaders and industry experts, who warn that the combination of financial stress, staffing shortages, and intense workloads could erode morale and focus among controllers, potentially increasing the risk of errors.
The shutdown’s impact extends beyond aviation to other sectors of American life. Federal services such as national parks, passport processing, and certain regulatory functions are disrupted, affecting millions of citizens. For federal employees, the uncertainty of working without pay or being furloughed creates significant personal and financial strain. The threat of layoffs, as mentioned by President Trump, adds another layer of anxiety for workers who are already stretched thin.
As the shutdown continues, pressure is mounting on lawmakers to reach a resolution. The aviation system, a critical component of the U.S. economy and infrastructure, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of prolonged funding lapses. The combination of unpaid controllers, staffing shortages, and outdated technology poses a serious risk to air safety, as evidenced by the tragic January crash. Industry leaders, unions, and advocacy groups are urging Congress to prioritize a bipartisan agreement that not only resolves the shutdown but also addresses the systemic issues plaguing the FAA.
In the meantime, air traffic controllers remain on the front lines, managing the nation’s airspace under increasingly difficult conditions. Their ability to maintain focus and professionalism in the face of financial and operational challenges is a testament to their dedication, but it also underscores the urgent need for action. Without a swift resolution to the shutdown and long-term investments in staffing and technology, the U.S. aviation system risks further strain, with potentially devastating consequences for safety and economic stability.
The path forward requires cooperation between Democrats and Republicans to break the funding deadlock and ensure that critical federal agencies, including the FAA, can operate without interruption. For now, the nation watches as the shutdown unfolds, hoping for a resolution that will restore stability to the skies and beyond.
