US Shutdown Halts Air Travel: Record Breaking Crisis Disrupts Millions of Passengers

The United States federal government shutdown, now entering its 35th day and tying the longest in US history, has precipitated a major crisis in the aviation sector, disrupting millions of air travellers nationwide. According to the airline trade group Airlines for America, more than 3.2 million passengers have been impacted since the shutdown began on October 1, with about 16 % of all flight delays in October linked directly to air traffic controller staffing shortages—well above the normal rate of approximately 5 %.

Major hubs including San Francisco International Airport (SFO), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) have recorded unusually large volumes of delays and cancellations as many air traffic control towers report staffing deficits of up to 80 % amid unpaid essential workforce conditions.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) statistics show that out of the “Core 30” air‑traffic control facilities across the US, nearly half are operating below recommended staffing levels, forcing the agency to impose ground‑delay programs and even consider partial air‑space closures to maintain safety.

This disruption has created ripple effects across the travel industry: airlines are issuing warnings to passengers to expect long waits, major airports are experiencing congestion at security screening and boarding areas as transportation‑security officers (TSA) and other federal personnel remain unpaid, and the upcoming Thanksgiving travel surge is raising alarm among carriers and business groups.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has cautioned that unless the shutdown is resolved quickly, the US may face “mass cancellations” or even be forced to shut down portions of its air‑space.

With the aviation system under sustained strain, travellers, airlines and airport operators are being pushed to the edge as the stop‑gap funding impasse in Washington continues unresolved.