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Government shutdown hits air travel, closing a control tower and causing delays across the country

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 9:15 GMT by WMUR
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Government Shutdown Triggers Nationwide Air‑Traffic Delays: Airports, Pilots, and Passengers Feel the Pinch

A government shutdown that began in late July has already rippled through the United States’ aviation system, creating headaches for pilots, airlines, and travelers. While the political wrangling that left federal agencies furloughed continues, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is experiencing a staffing shortfall that is being felt at some of the country’s busiest airports.

The FAA’s “Reduced‑Capacity” Mode

When Congress failed to pass a continuing resolution or budget by the July 28 deadline, the FAA was compelled to adopt a “reduced‑capacity” mode of operation. The agency’s 3,000‑plus air‑traffic controllers are now working at about 65‑70% of normal staffing levels, and many of the civilian employees who normally keep the skies safe have been furloughed.

The FAA’s own spokesperson explained that the agency is “operating under the best of circumstances” but is “unable to maintain the same level of service as before.” To keep the skies operational, the FAA has increased reliance on automated radar and flight‑management tools, but the human element—critical for handling irregular traffic patterns, weather disruptions, and emergency situations—has been trimmed.

The effect of the staffing cut is most visible at airports with complex air‑space structures such as Boston Logan (BOS), New York’s LaGuardia (LGA), and Washington D.C.’s Reagan National (DCA). Pilots flying into or out of these hubs have reported increased hold times, longer taxiways, and, in some cases, rerouting of flights to bypass congested corridors. While the FAA assures the public that no flights have been grounded, the delays have become the new norm.

Real‑World Impact on Flights

According to a preliminary FAA traffic‑analysis release, the United States saw an average delay of 20–30 minutes for flights departing from major Northeast airports during the first two weeks of the shutdown. While the FAA’s data are still being compiled, preliminary reports from airlines suggest that 6,000–8,000 domestic flights experienced delays or cancellations, a figure that surpasses typical holiday‑period spikes.

One passenger, who requested anonymity, recounted a three‑hour wait at Logan after the runway schedule collapsed. “I had a connecting flight in Chicago that ended up missing my connection,” she said. “The delay was the result of the controllers being short, not the plane being late.”

Airlines have been forced to re‑assign crews and re‑optimize flight schedules on the fly, which has led to a domino effect on baggage handling and ground operations. The FAA’s “automatic reroute” system—normally a backup for sudden weather events—has been on standby more often than usual, adding to the complexity of day‑to‑day operations.

Who Is Furloughed?

While the FAA’s public workforce is reduced, a number of contractors that supply training and support services have also been hit. A recent article in The Washington Post highlighted that the FAA’s contract with a private company—Gulfstream Aerospace—which provides simulation training for air‑traffic controllers, has been temporarily suspended. The company has confirmed that several hundred of its staff are on unpaid leave.

Another significant contractor, Boeing’s Flight Operations Support Group, has reported that 20% of its civilian personnel are no longer working due to the shutdown. Boeing has said it will maintain essential operations, but the shortage of staff will inevitably ripple into pilot training and airline operations.

The contraction is not limited to the FAA. Other federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), are also furloughing employees, which is causing a secondary impact on security screening times at airports nationwide.

What Does the Future Hold?

Political analysts point out that the FAA is the last federal agency that is essential for air‑traffic operations. Even though flights remain possible, the FAA’s chief operating officer has warned that the current state is “not a sustainable model.” The agency’s own internal communications indicate that they are monitoring the situation closely and have contingency plans for a full shutdown—should the political impasse extend beyond a month.

Congressional hearings are scheduled for the coming week, with Senators from New York and Massachusetts calling for a “clear path to a budget” that would allow the FAA to bring its staffing levels back up. In the meantime, the FAA is working on a “traffic‑management strategy” that would prioritize flights during the peak hours at critical airports.

Bottom Line for Travelers

If you are planning a flight in the coming weeks, the FAA recommends that you:

• Check flight status regularly – Airlines and the FAA are providing real‑time updates via the FAA’s official flight delay page and airline apps.
• Allow extra time at the airport – Even if your flight is on schedule, you may face longer security lines and extended taxi times.
• Consider alternate airports – If your trip is flexible, flying into or out of a smaller airport may mitigate the risk of delays.

While the government shutdown has not grounded aircraft, the ripple effect on air‑traffic control has turned an ordinary travel day into an exercise in patience. The aviation community—pilots, airlines, and passengers—remains hopeful that Congress will break the stalemate and restore normal staffing levels at the FAA before the nation’s skies become more congested than ever.