The shutdown of the US federal government, which began on 1 October 2025, is putting the entire domestic air transport network under strain. More than 13,000 air traffic controllers and 61,000 airport security officers are continuing to work without pay, creating a domino effect that caused over 9,000 flights to be delayed or cancelled between 6 and 7 October.
The Department of Transportation has reported a gradual reduction in operational staff across air traffic control centres. In some areas, the number of available controllers has fallen by up to 50% compared with normal levels, directly impacting the capacity to manage take-offs and landings. Flow management measures introduced by the Federal Aviation Administration have led to a scheduled reduction in departures to maintain safety margins, but ground waiting times have increased significantly at many major airports.
Hollywood Burbank Airport in California has faced the most serious incident so far, with the control tower closed for six consecutive hours on 6 October. During that time, operations were managed remotely from San Diego, resulting in average delays of more than two hours and dozens of cancellations. Airports including Newark, Denver, Chicago O’Hare, Phoenix and Washington National also operated with reduced staff, causing average delays of between 30 and 50 minutes for arriving flights.
According to controllers’ unions, the actual available workforce now stands at around 11,000, nearly 4,000 short of optimal levels. Extended shifts and the lack of pay have led to an increase in sick leave and prompted some operators to suspend their duties temporarily, adding further pressure on the system.
Meanwhile, the Transportation Security Administration continues to operate with more than 60,000 security officers, also unpaid. Absences at several airports have lengthened queues at checkpoints and caused the temporary suspension of wait-time information services, which will not resume until funding is restored. Operational disruptions have been compounded by an already strained control infrastructure, affected by chronic staff shortages and outdated technology.
The shutdown has also halted modernisation programmes approved by Congress, including USD 12.5 billion earmarked for upgrades to air traffic control systems. Industry analysts warn that if the shutdown continues beyond mid-October, delays could spread across the network during the November holiday period, creating a ripple effect on passenger logistics and the continuity of domestic air services.
