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Air traffic controllers seek public's help at MSP Airport to end government shutdown

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 20:40 GMT by Fox 9
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Minneapolis‑St. Paul Controllers Reach Out to the Public for Help in Ending the Federal Shutdown

The recent federal government shutdown, which began on September 30, has left Minneapolis‑St. Paul International Airport (MSP) in a precarious position. At the heart of the crisis are the air traffic controllers (ATCs) who have been working under “partial operational status” and, according to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 101, are struggling to maintain safe and efficient flight operations while being furloughed or working on a reduced pay scale.

The Scope of the Problem

Since the shutdown started, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has furloughed more than 2,400 ATCs nationwide. At MSP, the situation is especially acute: the airport’s tower, approach, and en‑route controllers are all operating at less than 50 % of their normal staffing levels. The FAA’s “Partial Operations Plan” permits flights to run, but the reduced number of controllers has increased the risk of delays, cancellations, and potentially unsafe conditions on the ground and in the air.

The article notes that since the first day of the shutdown, the airport has seen more than 2,000 flight cancellations and 1,500 delays, affecting thousands of passengers. “We’re seeing more and more flights that could have been flown safely with full staffing,” said a spokesperson for Local 101. “We’re operating under a strain that compromises safety and the passenger experience.”

Local 101’s Call for Public Action

The ATCs at MSP, represented by Teamsters Local 101, have taken a proactive step: they have launched a public petition demanding that Congress restore the funding that has been withheld due to the shutdown. The petition, available online, calls for an immediate “temporary funding bill” to reimburse furloughed employees and allow the FAA to reinstate its full operational capacity.

The union’s website, linked in the article, explains that Local 101 has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Transportation (DOT) to force the release of the furloughed funds. “We are fighting for the safety of the skies and the livelihoods of our members,” said a local union representative. “We need the public’s support to pressure lawmakers.”

The petition asks citizens to sign, share, and forward it to their congressional representatives, urging them to take action. Local 101 has also opened a “Letter Writing” initiative, encouraging residents to write letters to their senators and representatives from the Minneapolis‑St. Paul area.

Government Shutdown Context

The shutdown has been a national issue for several weeks. The government shutdown is a result of Congress failing to pass a funding bill, leading to a temporary stop‑gap measure that has halted federal operations. The article links to a comprehensive overview on Wikipedia that explains the mechanics of a shutdown, the roles of Congress and the President, and the impact on federal agencies. That page details how a lack of appropriations forces agencies to halt non‑essential services and furlough employees.

What’s Happening at MSP

The article also directs readers to MSP’s official website (https://www.mspairport.com), which provides real‑time flight status, airport services, and updates on the airport’s operational status. The airport has issued a statement acknowledging the challenges and reassuring passengers that all flights are operating “to the best of our ability” under the constraints of the shutdown.

The FAA’s own website (https://www.faa.gov) contains a dedicated page on the Partial Operations Plan, outlining how the agency is managing limited staffing. The plan allows certain essential functions to continue, but it cannot cover the full breadth of air traffic control services that the public normally expects.

A Call to Action

In a climate where federal funding for aviation is still uncertain, the ATCs at MSP are urging the public to help in tangible ways:

1. Sign the Petition – The local union’s petition is available online. Signing it increases pressure on lawmakers.
2. Write to Your Representatives – Use the “Letter Writing” guide on the union’s website to draft concise, fact‑based messages urging your senators and congressmen to act.
3. Share the Story – Forward the article and the petition link to friends, family, and colleagues who may also want to get involved.
4. Stay Informed – Keep up with flight information on the MSP website and check updates from the FAA’s Partial Operations page.

The Bottom Line

The article paints a picture of a critical public safety situation being exacerbated by a political impasse. Air traffic controllers at Minneapolis‑St. Paul International Airport are doing all they can to keep the skies safe, but without federal funding, they cannot fully perform their duties. By tapping into the public’s power to influence lawmakers, Local 101 hopes to bring an end to the shutdown—fast—so that the airspace can be managed safely and efficiently again.

Links Followed and Key Takeaways

By mobilizing public support, the ATCs at MSP are turning the spotlight back to Congress and the federal administration, demanding that the country’s air travel infrastructure be restored and that the safety of millions of passengers be guaranteed.