Airlines Brace for Shutdown Chaos as FAA Furlough Looms
Carriers warn of significant flight delays as a government shutdown threatens to sideline over 11,000 FAA employees and force thousands to work without pay.
The U.S. airline sector is on high alert as a potential government shutdown threatens to furlough more than 11,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees, representing about a quarter of the agency's workforce. Major carriers are warning of significant operational disruptions and widespread flight delays should Congress fail to pass a funding bill.
The immediate impact would be felt across the nation's aviation system. While operational safety functions are expected to continue, the furloughs could halt critical background activities. Industry groups have cautioned that a shutdown may postpone maintenance checks, delay new aircraft inspections, and suspend pilot evaluations. Furthermore, and affect the certification of new aircraft.
Adding to the strain, approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers would be forced to work without pay. This has raised concerns about potential staff shortages, which could lead to . Airlines for America, a trade group representing major carriers like American Airlines (AAL) and Delta Air Lines (DAL), has stated that the lapse in funding could reduce efficiency and significantly impact travelers.
The situation threatens to worsen the FAA's existing staffing crisis, as the agency is already short by about 3,800 air traffic controllers. , causing further delays in closing the staffing gap and placing additional pressure on an already strained system. The U.S. Travel Association has warned the economic fallout from a shutdown could cost the U.S. economy as much as $1 billion per week.