(US) House Speaker Mike Johnson warned that the fifth week of the federal government shutdown is pushing the United States’ aviation system toward a breaking point, as over 19,000 flights have been delayed or canceled in a recent short stretch and daily delays have topped 1,600 on some days.
In a press release, Johnson said the shutdown is straining federal aviation employees—especially approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers—many of whom are working without pay. He urged quick action in Congress to restore funding and stabilize operations before holiday travel intensifies.
Immediate operational impacts
One recent Sunday alone saw more than 8,600 delays, and major hubs reported average waits exceeding an hour. Staffing is central to the crunch: roughly 50,000 TSA officers and thousands of Federal Aviation Administration staff remain on the job without pay.
Reports cited by Johnson’s office say 44% of recent delays were tied to air traffic controller absences, a dramatic jump from the typical 5%. While officials and experts maintain that flying remains safe due to strict FAA protocols, the Speaker warned that prolonged financial pressure on personnel could affect performance and the pipeline of new controllers.
“Prolonged financial pressure on personnel could affect performance and the pipeline of new controllers.”
— Speaker Mike Johnson (paraphrased from press release)
Why staffing shortages amplify delays
Air traffic control is a high-pressure profession even on a normal day. With missed paychecks, rising overtime, and family bills, some controllers are reportedly seeking second jobs or taking more unpaid time to cope. That compounds an already tight staffing picture and creates a feedback loop:
- Fewer people on position → longer taxi times and gate metering.
- Wider spacing between takeoffs and landings → fewer flights per hour.
- Slower throughput at major nodes → delays ripple to regional airports and overnight connections.
When one major node slows, the cascade affects airlines, passengers, and connecting flights nationwide.
Mounting disruptions across major hubs
Airlines reported ground stops and significant delays at Newark, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other large airports. Heavy coastal and transcontinental flows depend on consistent staffing in busy approach and en‑route sectors. When control centers reduce capacity—even modestly—carriers must hold flights on the ground, reroute, or cancel.
Consequences include:
– Missed connections for international students and time-limited visitors.
– Stranded family visitors on limited visas.
– Added costs and logistical headaches for employers moving teams.
Industry groups say the shutdown is costing the travel sector about $1 billion per week and could derail holiday plans for millions if it continues. Airlines for America has stressed that aviation remains safe but under severe strain, with delays likely to persist or grow without congressional action.
Safety status and traveler guidance
Officials continue to assert that air travel remains safe: FAA safety rules do not loosen during a shutdown. Required layers—training, certification, and separation standards—remain in force.
For current operating constraints and airport-specific advisories, travelers can check the FAA’s real-time status portal at the FAA Air Traffic Status.
Practical impacts remain real for many people:
– Families arriving for medical care, newly admitted university students, and H-1B employees may face missed appointments and rebooking hurdles.
– Extra nights in hotels and additional costs can strain budgets and timelines.
Traveler tips (especially important for noncitizens on visas):
– Rebook to earlier connections when possible to build in buffer time.
– Keep proof of status and travel history handy in case of missed connections or reroutes.
– Monitor airline apps and airport advisories closely for gate and timing changes.
Airport security and checkpoint pressure
TSA officers continue working but unpaid shifts can increase absenteeism and slow checkpoint throughput. Early morning banks are particularly vulnerable: one bottleneck can set the tone for the entire day.
Those most exposed:
– Families with small children
– Elderly travelers
– International students moving between dorms
Political standoff and industry pressure
Johnson blamed Senate Democrats for not passing a continuing resolution he says would restore funding and pay aviation workers. He accused them of using air traffic controllers as “political bargaining chips” and called for immediate passage of a clean funding bill.
Democrats counter that the House should advance a broader plan to reopen the government without partisan riders. The standoff keeps the FAA and TSA in contingency mode, with frontline workers carrying the load and passengers absorbing the results.
Long-term staffing risks
Analysis by VisaVerge.com warns that the longer the shutdown lasts, the more fragile aviation staffing becomes. Recruiting and training new controllers is a long process that depends on steady funding for training pipelines and academy classes. Interruptions now can echo for years:
- New hires require extensive training before handling complex airspace.
- Slowed trainee flow could worsen shortages during future peak seasons.
- Recovery becomes harder if pipeline funding and classes are disrupted.
Operational and economic consequences for airlines
Immediate concerns for the travel industry focus on throughput. A system running with fewer controllers must meter departures and arrivals, which means:
- Fewer flights per hour into busy airports.
- Cascading delays across the day.
- Longer recovery times after weather events.
Airlines may trim schedules preemptively to avoid mass cancellations, but each cut represents lost revenue and disrupted plans for customers, including those traveling for immigration interviews, school deadlines, or expiring entry periods.
Airlines for America and pilot groups say the next few weeks are pivotal. If the shutdown extends into the peak holiday period, carriers may face difficult choices about capacity, staffing, and on‑time performance. A winter storm could worsen queues for deicing and runway use, especially at congested airports like Newark and San Francisco.
Key takeaways and warning
Johnson framed the stakes as both economic and safety-related, citing “substantial economic losses” and “growing stress” on critical personnel. He warned that continued inaction will “further endanger travelers, aviation workers, and the broader U.S. economy.”
- As of October 27, 2025, there is no deal, and public pressure on lawmakers in both chambers is mounting.
- The nation’s aviation system can keep people safe with fewer resources for a while, but it cannot keep them moving on time without enough paid professionals in the tower, the TRACON, and the center.
Until Congress restores funding, air traffic controllers will keep working under strain, and aviation delays are likely to remain an everyday reality.
This Article in a Nutshell
The fifth week of the U.S. federal government shutdown has significantly disrupted aviation operations: over 19,000 flights were delayed or canceled in a short period, with some days seeing more than 1,600 daily delays. Approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and about 50,000 TSA officers are working without pay, contributing to increased absenteeism and overtime. Reports attribute 44% of recent delays to controller absences, a marked rise from the typical 5%. Major hubs including Newark, Los Angeles, and San Francisco experienced ground stops and average waits exceeding an hour. While FAA safety protocols remain in force, prolonged financial strain threatens performance, recruitment, and training pipelines. Industry groups estimate losses around $1 billion per week and urge Congress to restore funding before holiday travel amplifies disruptions.
