The FAA keeps running during a shutdown, but with serious limits

The Federal Aviation Administration does not close entirely during a government shutdown. Air traffic controllers stay at work, planes keep flying, and airports remain open. But the FAA operates on a skeleton crew, and the parts that keep aviation safe and moving smoothly get stretched thin. Controllers work without pay until the shutdown ends, maintenance inspections slow down, and safety certifications pile up. Delays are common, and some services you might expect straightforward stop.

The difference between a shutdown and normal operations is the difference between a hospital running on emergency staff and a hospital running at full capacity. The core mission—keeping planes in the air safely—continues. Everything else gets rationed.

Key Takeaways

  • Air traffic controllers continue working during a shutdown but receive no paychecks until it ends, which can affect their focus and availability.
  • Flight delays increase because the FAA cannot hire temporary staff, process new certifications, or conduct routine maintenance inspections.
  • Airport security screening (TSA) also operates with unpaid staff, which can create longer lines and further delays.
  • The length of the shutdown directly affects how backed up safety inspections and certifications become, with effects that can linger weeks after the shutdown ends.

Which FAA workers stay on the job

Air traffic controllers are considered essential personnel and must report to work during a shutdown. So are airport safety inspectors, some maintenance technicians, and the people who manage runway operations. These workers are legally required to show up, but they do not get paid until Congress passes a new budget and the shutdown ends.

The people who leave are the ones who process paperwork: the staff who review pilot certifications, aircraft maintenance records, and new equipment approvals. The people who answer phones at regional FAA offices also go home. If you need to renew a pilot's license or get approval for a new avionics system, that request sits in a pile until the shutdown is over.

Why delays spike during a shutdown

Delays happen for two reasons: fewer people working and unpaid workers working slower. Air traffic control towers are already staffed at minimum levels on normal days. During a shutdown, the FAA cannot bring in temporary controllers to cover sick leave or vacation. One controller calling in sick means that tower operates with one fewer person for the entire shift.

Unpaid work also affects performance. Controllers have worked without pay during past shutdowns and reported fatigue, stress, and difficulty concentrating. The FAA has acknowledged that controller fatigue is a safety concern during shutdowns. Airports with the tightest schedules—like Atlanta, Dallas, and Chicago—see the biggest delays because there is no buffer when staffing drops.

Maintenance inspections also back up. Aircraft need routine inspections before they can fly, and those inspections require FAA sign-off. With fewer inspectors working, planes that could normally be cleared in a day might wait three or four days. That backed-up maintenance translates to fewer planes available to fly, which means cancelled flights and overbooked remaining flights.

TSA screening delays compound the problem

The Transportation Security Administration, which runs airport security, is also affected by the shutdown. TSA officers work without pay and cannot take time off. During past shutdowns, call-outs have increased as officers work second jobs or deal with financial stress. Longer security lines mean passengers miss flights, which creates more delays downstream.

Some airports have experienced wait times of two to three hours during extended shutdowns. If you are flying during a shutdown, arriving three hours early for a domestic flight is not excessive.

Services that stop or slow dramatically

The FAA cannot issue new pilot licenses or medical certificates during a shutdown. Mechanic certifications cannot be renewed. Aircraft type ratings—the special training required to fly a new plane model—cannot be approved. These backlogs can take weeks to clear after the shutdown ends, even if the FAA when ready returns to full staffing.

The FAA also cannot process applications for new routes, new airlines, or new aircraft modifications. Safety inspections of repair stations and maintenance facilities are postponed. Runway construction projects and equipment upgrades are halted. None of these affect your flight directly, but they all contribute to a system running below capacity.

How long the effects last after the shutdown ends

The delays do not stop the moment Congress passes a budget. The FAA has to process all the paperwork that piled up during the shutdown before it can return to normal operations. A shutdown that lasts one week can create a backlog that takes two to three weeks to clear. A shutdown lasting three weeks can take six weeks or more to recover from.

During the recovery period, the FAA prioritizes safety-critical work—pilot certifications, aircraft inspections, maintenance approvals. Everything else waits. If you are planning to fly in the weeks after a shutdown ends, expect delays to continue even though the shutdown is technically over.

What you can do if you are flying during a shutdown

Check your airline's website for real-time delay information. Airlines usually post shutdown-related delays prominently. Arrive at the airport earlier than normal—three hours for domestic flights is reasonable. read your airline's app so you can get push notifications if your flight is delayed or cancelled.

If your flight is cancelled, your airline must rebook you on the next available flight at no charge, or refund your ticket. This rule applies during shutdowns the same as any other time. Do not accept a travel credit unless you want one; you have the right to a refund.

If you are a pilot, mechanic, or someone who needs FAA certification during a shutdown, contact your local FAA office before the shutdown to understand which services will be unavailable. Some offices post shutdown contingency plans online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my flight be cancelled if there is a government shutdown?

Not automatically. Most flights operate during shutdowns, but delays are common and some flights may be cancelled due to staffing limits or maintenance backlogs. Check your airline's website for real-time status. Arriving early and having flexibility with your schedule reduces the impact.

Do air traffic controllers get paid during a shutdown?

No. Controllers work without pay until the shutdown ends and Congress passes a new budget. They are required to report to work, but paychecks are delayed. This has happened during multiple shutdowns, and controllers have reported it affects their focus and availability.

Can I renew my pilot license during a shutdown?

No. The FAA staff who process pilot certifications, medical certificates, and mechanic licenses are furloughed during a shutdown. You can submit applications, but they will not be processed until the shutdown ends. Plan ahead if your certification expires soon.

Will TSA lines be longer during a shutdown?

Yes, typically. TSA officers work without pay and cannot take time off, which increases call-outs. Arrive three hours early for domestic flights and expect longer waits at security screening.

How long do delays last after a shutdown ends?

The FAA has to process all the paperwork and inspections that backed up during the shutdown. A one-week shutdown can take two to three weeks to clear. A three-week shutdown can take six weeks or more. Delays often continue for weeks after the shutdown officially ends.