What happens to airports during a government shutdown

During a government shutdown, airports stay open and planes keep flying, but the people who run the system change. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — the agency that controls air traffic, inspects planes, and licenses pilots — continues operating because it is considered essential. However, the FAA operates on a skeleton crew of workers who are not paid until the shutdown ends. This creates delays and reduced services across the system.

The shutdown affects which staff show up to work. Air traffic controllers, safety inspectors, and maintenance workers are considered essential and must work without pay. Many other FAA employees — those who handle administrative tasks, process licenses, or manage facilities — are furloughed and sent home. This imbalance means the system runs, but with fewer people doing more work, often under stress.

Airports themselves are operated by local authorities or private companies, not the federal government, so they remain fully staffed. The TSA (Transportation Security Administration), which runs security checkpoints, is also considered essential and continues operating. However, TSA officers work without pay during a shutdown, and some call in sick rather than work for free, which can create longer security lines.

Key Takeaways

  • Airports and airlines operate normally during a shutdown, but air traffic control runs with fewer staff, which causes delays.
  • TSA security checkpoints stay open but may have longer waits because officers work without pay and some do not show up.
  • Flight safety inspections and maintenance checks continue because FAA inspectors are considered essential workers.
  • The longer a shutdown lasts, the more likely delays become as unpaid staff fatigue increases and some workers find other jobs.

Why air traffic control slows down

Air traffic controllers are required to work during a shutdown, but they do so without a paycheck. Controllers manage the flow of planes in the sky and on the ground, and they work in shifts that are physically and mentally demanding. When a shutdown lasts more than a few days, some controllers call in sick, reducing the number of people available to handle traffic. Even those who show up are working under financial stress, which can affect focus.

The FAA cannot hire new controllers or process controller certifications during a shutdown because the staff who handle hiring and licensing are furloughed. This means the system cannot bring in temporary help or fast-track new workers. As the shutdown continues, the available workforce shrinks further as some controllers find temporary work elsewhere or decide to leave the profession.

When fewer controllers are available, the FAA reduces the number of planes allowed to take off and land per hour at busy airports. This is called a ground stop or flow control. The result is cascading delays: a plane delayed in New York falls behind schedule in Atlanta, which delays its next flight to Miami, and so on. Passengers experience longer waits on the tarmac, missed connections, and cancelled flights.

Security checkpoint delays and staffing

TSA officers screen passengers at security checkpoints and are classified as essential workers, so they must work during a shutdown. However, they receive no paychecks until the shutdown ends. In past shutdowns lasting more than two weeks, TSA call-in rates have climbed to 10 percent or higher, meaning one in ten officers do not show up for their shift.

When officers call in sick, the remaining staff must process more passengers per person, which slows the line. Some airports have reported wait times of 45 minutes to over an hour during longer shutdowns, even at off-peak hours. TSA cannot hire temporary workers or bring in staff from other agencies to fill gaps because hiring is frozen during a shutdown.

The impact varies by airport size and time of day. Large hubs like Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles see longer delays because they process more passengers. Early morning and evening rush hours are most affected. If you are traveling during a shutdown, arriving extra early for your flight is necessary.

Plane maintenance and safety inspections

The FAA's safety inspection program continues during a shutdown because inspectors are essential workers. Planes still undergo required maintenance checks, and inspectors still certify that aircraft are safe to fly. Airlines cannot legally operate a plane without current inspections, and they have financial incentive to keep planes flying, so maintenance does not stop.

However, the FAA cannot issue new airworthiness certificates for new aircraft models or approve new maintenance procedures during a shutdown. If an airline wants to introduce a new plane type or change how it maintains its fleet, that approval process stalls. For passengers, this means existing planes are safe, but the system cannot adapt to new aircraft or procedures until the shutdown ends.

How long shutdowns typically last and what to expect

Government shutdowns vary in length. Some last a few days; others have lasted three weeks or longer. The longest recent shutdown was 35 days, from December 2018 to January 2019. The longer a shutdown lasts, the more severe the airport delays become.

In the first few days of a shutdown, delays are usually minor — perhaps 15 to 30 minutes on average. By the second week, delays often exceed one hour at major airports. By the third week, some airports begin issuing ground stops that prevent new planes from taking off until earlier arrivals clear the runway. Cancellations increase as airlines reduce flights to match the reduced capacity.

Airlines do not receive government compensation for shutdown-related losses, so they absorb the cost of delays, cancellations, and rebooking passengers. Some airlines have reduced flights preemptively during shutdowns to avoid the worst delays, which means fewer seats available and higher prices for remaining flights.

What you should do if you are flying during a shutdown

If you have a flight booked during a government shutdown, check your airline's website for any schedule changes or cancellations before you leave for the airport. Airlines update their schedules as delays accumulate, and your flight may be rescheduled or cancelled.

Arrive at the airport earlier than usual — at least three hours for domestic flights and four hours for international flights. Security lines will be longer, and you may need extra time to navigate the airport if some facilities are closed due to staffing shortages.

Pack snacks and a phone charger. Delays mean more time in the airport, and some food vendors and charging stations may have reduced hours if they rely on airport staff who are furloughed. Bring a book or read entertainment because airport WiFi may be slower if IT staff are not working.

If your flight is cancelled, your airline must rebook you on the next available flight at no extra charge, or refund your ticket. However, during a shutdown, the next available flight may not depart for several days. Consider whether you can delay your trip until the shutdown ends, or whether you need to travel regardless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my flight be cancelled during a government shutdown?

Not automatically. Most flights operate, but delays are common. Airlines may cancel flights on routes with the worst delays to reduce cascading problems. Check your airline's website the day before and the morning of your flight for updates.

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

No. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not require airlines to compensate passengers for delays caused by government shutdowns, because the airline is not at fault. You are may have access to to a refund only if you cancel your ticket; the airline will not offer one automatically.

Can the FAA shut down air traffic control completely?

No. Air traffic control is classified as essential, so it continues during a shutdown. However, it operates with reduced staff, which limits how many planes can safely use the system at once. This creates delays, not a complete halt.

Are international flights affected the same way as domestic flights?

Yes. International flights departing from the U.S. are subject to the same air traffic control delays and security screening as domestic flights. However, flights arriving from other countries may experience longer customs and immigration processing if those staff are furloughed.

How do I know if a shutdown is happening?

News outlets report government shutdowns prominently. You can also check the FAA website or your airline's website for shutdown notices. If you are unsure whether a shutdown is active, call your airline directly — they will know how it affects your flight.