US Aviation Faces Another Potential ATC Crisis Amid Partial Government Shutdown
The US aviation sector is facing yet another potential crisis as a partial government shutdown kicks in, threatening air traffic control (ATC) operations. Airlines are urgently pushing Congress to pass laws ensuring air traffic controllers and key FAA staff get paid during funding lapses—preventing the chaos seen in the record-breaking 43-day shutdown late last year.
That prolonged lapse (October-November 2025) led to massive strain: controllers worked mandatory overtime without full pay (including $0 paychecks), fatigue spiked, absences surged, and the FAA imposed up to 10% flight cuts at 40 major airports. The fallout? Thousands of cancellations and delays daily, over 6 million passengers disrupted, 50,000+ flights affected, and an economic hit exceeding $7 billion (around $150M+ per day).
With the FAA already short by about 3,500 controllers amid chronic staffing shortages, hiring delays, and high-stress workloads, the system has razor-thin margins. Airlines (via Airlines for America) warn that even a short shutdown could quickly escalate once paychecks are missed—shifting from “busy” to “unsafe” fast. They’re backing bipartisan bills like the Aviation Funding Solvency Act to tap existing aviation funds for continuity, avoiding repeats of safety-compromising disruptions.
Travelers beware: while essential ATC and TSA ops continue (no immediate full stop), prolonged issues could mean delays, cuts, and headaches—especially at busy hubs. Congress must act to stabilize pay and address the deeper controller shortage for safer, more reliable skies.
