What a Government Shutdown Does to Flights

A government shutdown reduces the number of air traffic controllers working, which directly slows down flight operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a federal agency, so during a shutdown, many of its staff work without pay or are sent home. This means fewer controllers in towers, fewer people processing flight plans, and longer waits on the ground before takeoff.

Flights do not stop entirely during a shutdown—the FAA maintains a skeleton crew for safety-critical work. But the reduction in staffing creates bottlenecks. Planes may sit at gates longer, taxi times increase, and departures are spaced further apart. Airlines cannot push back from the gate or take off without clearance from an air traffic control tower, so delays ripple across the entire system.

The severity depends on how many controllers are working and which airports are affected most. Major hubs like Atlanta, Dallas, New York, and Los Angeles feel the impact sooner because they handle more flights per hour. Regional airports may see less disruption.

Key Takeaways

  • Government shutdowns reduce the number of air traffic controllers on duty, which increases ground delays and spacing between departures.
  • The FAA continues safety-critical operations during a shutdown, so flights are delayed rather than cancelled outright, but delays can stretch to several hours.
  • Major airport hubs experience worse delays than smaller airports because they depend on more controllers to manage high traffic volume.
  • You can check real-time delays on the FAA's website (faa.gov) or your airline's app, which update throughout the day as conditions change.
  • If your flight is delayed more than three hours due to a shutdown, you may be may have access to to compensation under Department of Transportation rules, depending on the airline and route.

How to Check if Delays Are Shutdown-Related

The FAA publishes real-time delay information on its website at faa.gov/air_traffic/delays. You can search by airport code or city name and see current delays, the reason for each delay, and expected wait times. During a shutdown, the delay reason will typically say "Staffing" or "Air Traffic Control" rather than weather or mechanical issues.

Your airline's app or website also shows delays, but the FAA site gives you the official picture across all carriers at that airport. If you are checking before you leave for the airport, the FAA site is the most reliable source. Delays can change hour by hour, so check again an hour before you are scheduled to depart.

The FAA's Twitter account (@FAANews) also posts shutdown-related updates, though the main website is faster for specific airport data.

What Happens to Your Flight During a Shutdown

Your flight will likely depart, but later than scheduled. Controllers prioritize safety over speed, so they space planes further apart on the runway and in the air. This means fewer takeoffs per hour at busy airports. A flight that normally takes 15 minutes from gate to wheels-up might take 45 minutes or more.

Airlines cannot change this—they are waiting for clearance from the tower. You cannot speed up the process by calling the airline or arriving earlier. The delay is system-wide and affects every plane at that airport equally.

If your flight is delayed more than three hours, you may be may have access to to compensation under Department of Transportation rules. The amount depends on the flight distance and whether the airline is a U.S. carrier. Check the DOT website (transportation.gov) for the current compensation rules, as they vary by situation.

Connecting Flights and Missed Connections

If you have a connecting flight, a shutdown delay on your first leg puts you at risk of missing your connection. Airlines cannot hold a plane for a delayed passenger, so if you miss the connection, you will be rebooked on the next available flight at no extra charge.

If you have a tight connection (less than 90 minutes between landing and departure), tell the gate agent before you board. They can note your connection and may be able to hold your checked bags or coordinate with the connecting flight. This does not may provide the connection will wait, but it flags your situation.

If you do miss a connection due to a shutdown delay on the first flight, the airline must rebook you without charging a change fee. Ask the agent at your arrival airport for the next available flight to your final destination, even if it is on a different airline.

Planning Travel During a Shutdown

If you are booking a flight during a known shutdown, expect delays of one to three hours on average at major hubs, though some days are worse than others. Build extra time into your schedule—arrive at the airport earlier than usual, and plan for a longer journey overall.

If you have flexibility, flying early in the morning or late at night sometimes avoids the worst congestion, because fewer planes are in the system. Mid-morning and afternoon departures tend to stack up more. However, this varies by airport and day.

Check the FAA delay page the day before you travel and again the morning of your flight. If delays are severe and you have the option to postpone, that is a reasonable choice. If you must travel, book a flight with a long layover so a delay on the first leg does not cause you to miss your connection.

What You Cannot Do About Shutdown Delays

You cannot request a refund from the airline straightforward because of a shutdown delay. Airlines are not responsible for delays caused by government staffing decisions. However, if your flight is cancelled (which is rare during a shutdown), you can request a refund or rebooking.

You also cannot speed up the process by paying extra or upgrading your ticket. The delay is not within the airline's control. Paying for a higher class of service does not move you up in the takeoff queue.

If you are stranded overnight due to cascading delays, the airline's obligation to provide meals and hotel depends on the airline's policy and whether the delay was within their control. Some airlines cover these costs during shutdowns; others do not. Check your airline's policy before you book.

When the Shutdown Ends

Once Congress passes a funding bill and the shutdown ends, the FAA returns to full staffing within hours. Delays do not disappear when ready—there is usually a backlog of flights that need to clear—but the system returns to normal operations within a day or two.

The FAA will post updates on its website when staffing returns to normal levels. If you are traveling the day a shutdown ends, expect some lingering delays as the system clears the backlog, but conditions improve quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my flight be cancelled because of a government shutdown?

Cancellations are rare during a shutdown. The FAA keeps enough staff to manage safety, so flights operate but with delays. Your flight will likely depart, just later than scheduled. Cancellations happen only if weather, mechanical issues, or crew scheduling problems occur on top of the shutdown delays.

Can I get my money back if my flight is delayed by a shutdown?

No, airlines are not required to refund tickets for delays caused by government staffing decisions. If your flight is cancelled, you can request a refund or rebooking. If it is only delayed, you have no refund right, though you may be may have access to to compensation under DOT rules if the delay exceeds three hours.

How long do shutdown delays usually last?

Delays typically range from one to three hours at major airports during a shutdown, though some flights experience longer waits. The exact length depends on how many controllers are working and how busy the airport is that day. Check the FAA website for real-time delays at your specific airport.

Should I reschedule my flight if a shutdown is happening?

That depends on your schedule flexibility and how much the delay matters to you. If you have time to spare and can tolerate a few extra hours, flying during a shutdown is safe—just plan for delays. If you have a tight connection or cannot afford to arrive late, rescheduling to after the shutdown ends may be worth the change fee.

Do international flights get delayed during a U.S. government shutdown?

Yes, international flights departing from or arriving in the United States are affected because they must use U.S. air traffic control services. Flights between two foreign countries are not affected. If you are flying internationally from a U.S. airport during a shutdown, expect the same delays as domestic flights.