The prolonged US government shutdown triggered by budget disputes between President Donald Trump and Democratic leaders in Congress has severely impacted the nation’s aviation system. Air traffic controller shortages have been driving widespread flight disruptions.
On Monday, 27 October, FlightAware reported nearly 7,000 flight delays nationwide, a stark escalation from previous days. The day before, on Sunday, 26 October, there were over 8,800 delays – the highest single-day total since the shutdown began. According to a US Department of Transportation official, 44 per cent of the delays on Sunday were caused by controller absences – a skyrocketing number from the usual five per cent.
The White House warns of potential flight delays and cancellations during Thanksgiving holiday travel if the government shutdown continues, as air traffic controllers and TSA officers work without pay https://t.co/Myp4BBqyRP pic.twitter.com/k8pQlvjWxq
— Reuters (@Reuters) October 24, 2025
On Monday, Southwest Airlines had 34 per cent of its flights delayed while American Airlines had 29 per cent, according to FlightAware. On 28 October, FlightAware recorded around 1,220 delays within, to, or out of the US as of 3:00 pm CET.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported staff shortages and imposed ground delays affecting major hubs such as Newark Airport in New Jersey, Austin Airport in Texas, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport on Monday.
The government shutdown entered its 28th day on 28 October, the first day that air traffic controllers and other federal employees received a zero-dollar paycheck. This financial hit comes at a critical time for the aviation sector in the US, which is already struggling with fewer staff and tough working conditions.
GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN DAY 23: The Impact on Air Travel
— The Will Cain Show (@WillCainShow) October 23, 2025
"Right now there are 13,000 air traffic controllers and more than 50,000 TSA officers who are showing up to work without pay… According to online flight tracking databases there were 19,000 delayed flights from Saturday to… pic.twitter.com/qSug8MpWds
Since air traffic controllers are classified as essential workers, they must continue working during shutdowns even though they are not being paid. However, they will receive their wages retroactively once the shutdown ends.
Even before the shutdown, the FAA was short roughly 3,500 air traffic controllers from its target staffing numbers. This has led employees to work mandatory overtime and six-day schedules.
Currently, about 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers are working for free due to the budget standoff between President Donald Trump and the Democrats in Congress.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy attended a meeting with controllers on Monday, while the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) organized multiple events on Tuesday to protest the first missed paycheck.
Every day the Democrat shutdown continues to damage our airspace.
— USDOT Rapid Response (@USDOTRapid) October 28, 2025
It’s threatening our pipeline of controllers and @USDOT’s ability to end the decades-long shortage of air traffic controllers. pic.twitter.com/jDpLsl0NFY
This week, the Senate might vote on a proposal from Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz designed to pay air traffic controllers. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not scheduled it for a vote.
The growing number of delays and cancellations is escalating public frustration and bringing the shutdown’s negative effects under scrutiny, pushing lawmakers to reach a deal.
