International flights continue during a shutdown, but with real delays and staffing gaps

International flights operate during a government shutdown, but they move slower and with fewer safety inspectors on the ground. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stays open because it is funded through a separate mechanism, but the agency runs on a skeleton crew. Customs and Border Protection officers, who screen passengers returning to the United States, are considered essential and work without pay. The result is longer lines at international gates, delayed departures while planes wait for clearance, and occasional cancellations when staffing falls too short.

The shutdown does not ground international flights the way it might ground domestic ones. But if you are flying internationally during a shutdown, expect your departure to slip by 30 minutes to two hours, and your arrival process to take longer than usual.

Key Takeaways

  • The FAA remains open during a shutdown but operates with reduced staff, which slows down flight clearances and ground operations.
  • Customs and Border Protection officers work without pay during a shutdown and screen all passengers returning to the United States, creating longer processing times.
  • International flights are less likely to be cancelled than domestic ones, but delays of 30 minutes to two hours are common.
  • Airports with fewer international gates or smaller CBP staffing may see longer waits than major hubs.

Why the FAA stays open but runs slower

The FAA is funded through the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, which collects money from ticket taxes and fuel taxes. This funding stream does not depend on Congress passing a yearly budget, so the agency technically does not shut down. However, Congress can still block the FAA from spending money on non-essential work, which forces the agency to furlough staff who handle scheduling, maintenance coordination, and administrative tasks.

Air traffic controllers stay at their posts because they are considered essential, but they work without pay. The same applies to safety inspectors who clear planes for departure. With fewer people handling paperwork and scheduling, the pace of operations slows. A plane that would normally push back 15 minutes after boarding may sit for 45 minutes waiting for final clearance from an understaffed operations center.

Customs and Border Protection delays for returning passengers

Every passenger returning to the United States from an international flight must pass through Customs and Border Protection (CBP) screening. CBP officers are deemed essential personnel and continue working during a shutdown, but they receive no paychecks. Many officers call in sick or take unpaid leave, which shrinks the number of screening lanes open at any given time.

A major airport like Miami or Los Angeles might normally run 12 to 15 CBP lanes for international arrivals. During a shutdown, that number can drop to 8 or 10. Passengers report waiting 45 minutes to over an hour to clear customs, even on flights that arrived on time. Smaller airports with fewer CBP staff see even longer waits because they have less flexibility to shift officers between terminals.

Which airports see the worst delays

Major international hubs like New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), and San Francisco (SFO) have enough CBP and FAA staff that delays usually stay under an hour. These airports process hundreds of international passengers per hour and have built-in redundancy.

Smaller airports with one or two international gates—such as some regional airports in the Midwest or South—can see much longer delays because they have fewer CBP officers and less ability to open additional screening lanes. If one officer calls in sick at a small airport, the wait time can jump from 20 minutes to 90 minutes.

What happens to flights already in the air

Planes that are already flying when a shutdown begins are not turned around. Air traffic control continues to guide them to their destination, and they land normally. The delay occurs on the ground—during boarding, during the wait for final clearance, and during customs screening on arrival.

If you are already airborne when a shutdown starts, your flight will land, but you may wait longer than usual to deplane and clear customs. Airlines cannot speed up the CBP screening process, so the delay is outside their control.

How to prepare for a shutdown-related delay

If you are flying internationally during a shutdown, arrive at the airport earlier than you normally would. Most airlines recommend arriving three hours before an international departure; during a shutdown, plan for three and a half hours. This buffer accounts for slower ground operations and reduced staffing at check-in.

When you arrive at your destination, expect customs screening to take longer. If you have a tight connection, inform the airline at check-in so they can flag your bags and rebook you if needed. Some airlines will hold a connecting flight for a certain number of minutes if passengers are stuck in customs, but this is not may provide.

Check your airline's website or call their customer service line before you travel to see if they have issued any shutdown-specific guidance. Some carriers post estimated delays by route during a shutdown.

Cancellations and refunds during a shutdown

International flights are rarely cancelled due to a shutdown alone. The FAA and CBP have enough essential staff to keep flights moving, even if slowly. However, if a shutdown coincides with bad weather or a mechanical issue, the airline may cancel the flight. In that case, you are may have access to to a refund or rebooking on the next available flight.

Airlines are not required to compensate you for delays caused by a government shutdown, because the shutdown is considered an event outside the airline's control. If your flight is delayed by two hours due to slower CBP screening, you will not receive compensation. If the flight is cancelled, you get a refund or rebooking, but not additional money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my international flight be cancelled during a shutdown?

Probably not. International flights continue operating during a shutdown because the FAA and CBP remain staffed with essential personnel. Cancellations are rare unless the shutdown coincides with weather or mechanical problems. Delays of 30 minutes to two hours are much more common than cancellations.

Do I get a refund if my international flight is delayed by the shutdown?

No. Airlines are not required to compensate passengers for delays caused by a government shutdown, because it is outside the airline's control. If your flight is cancelled, you receive a refund or rebooking. If it is delayed, you do not receive compensation.

How long does customs screening take during a shutdown?

Customs screening typically takes 45 minutes to over an hour during a shutdown, depending on the airport size and number of CBP officers working. Major hubs like LAX or JFK usually process passengers faster than smaller regional airports because they have more screening lanes available.

Should I change my travel dates to avoid a shutdown?

If you have flexibility, waiting until after a shutdown ends will spare you delays and the stress of longer waits at customs. However, if your trip is fixed, international travel during a shutdown is still possible—just plan to arrive at the airport earlier and expect longer processing times on arrival.