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 control towers stay staffed, runways stay open, and planes keep flying. But the FAA operates on a skeleton crew—only workers deemed "essential" show up—and many services that prevent delays grind to a halt. This means you may face longer waits, fewer flight options, and less predictable schedules, even though the system keeps moving.

The difference between a shutdown and normal operations matters for your flight. During a shutdown, the FAA cannot process new pilot licenses, conduct safety inspections on aircraft, or staff many regional towers. Airlines may reduce flights because they cannot get the clearances they normally would. The result is fewer planes in the air and more congestion on the routes that remain open.

Key Takeaways

  • Air traffic control towers remain open with essential staff during a shutdown, so major airports continue operating, though often with reduced capacity.
  • The FAA cannot issue new pilot certifications, conduct routine safety inspections, or approve new routes during a shutdown, which reduces flight availability.
  • Regional and smaller airports are hit harder than major hubs because they have fewer staff to begin with and lose a larger percentage of their workforce.
  • Flight delays typically increase within days of a shutdown starting, and the backlog can persist for weeks after the shutdown ends.
  • You can check the FAA's operational status on their website or call your airline directly to learn whether your specific flight is affected.

Which FAA functions shut down and which stay open

The FAA divides its work into essential and non-essential. Essential work—air traffic control, runway operations, and emergency response—continues. Non-essential work stops. This means air traffic controllers stay at their posts, but the people who train them, inspect aircraft, process paperwork, and manage new certifications go home without pay.

Specific services that stop during a shutdown include new pilot license processing, aircraft type certification, safety audits of airlines, and approval of new flight routes. The FAA also cannot issue medical certificates to pilots, which some pilots need to fly commercially. If you are a pilot waiting for a certificate, a shutdown can delay you by weeks or months depending on when the shutdown began and how long it lasts.

For passengers, the most visible effect is reduced flight capacity. Airlines cannot get the same level of clearance for new routes or expanded schedules because the FAA staff who handle that work are furloughed. Many airlines respond by cutting flights, especially on less profitable regional routes.

How shutdowns affect different airports differently

Major airports like Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles have large air traffic control operations and can maintain most of their normal schedule even with a reduced staff. Smaller regional airports—those serving cities with populations under 500,000—often have only a handful of controllers. When a shutdown hits, they lose a much larger percentage of their workforce and face steeper cuts to operations.

Some very small airports may close entirely during a shutdown if they cannot maintain the minimum staffing needed to operate safely. This forces passengers to drive to larger airports or take connecting flights through major hubs, adding hours to travel time.

The timing of a shutdown also matters. A shutdown that begins on a Friday may have less when ready impact than one that starts on a Monday, because weekend traffic is already lighter. A shutdown lasting more than a few days will create a backlog that takes weeks to clear, even after the FAA returns to full staffing.

How long delays typically last during and after a shutdown

Delays usually begin within 24 to 48 hours of a shutdown starting. The first few days see modest increases—10 to 20 minutes on average—as airlines adjust schedules and controllers manage reduced capacity. By day three or four, delays often reach 30 to 60 minutes on busy routes, and some flights get cancelled outright.

The backlog does not clear when ready when the shutdown ends. Controllers and FAA staff return to work, but they face a queue of flights, certifications, and approvals that built up during the shutdown. It typically takes one to three weeks for the system to return to normal operations, depending on how long the shutdown lasted.

If you are flying during a shutdown or in the weeks when ready after, expect delays as a normal part of your trip. Build extra time into connections and check your airline's website frequently for updates.

What to do if your flight is affected by a shutdown

First, check your airline's website or call their customer service line directly. Airlines update their schedules in real time during a shutdown, and the information on their site is more current than news reports. Ask whether your specific flight is cancelled or delayed, and whether they are offering rebooking on other flights.

If your flight is cancelled, most airlines will rebook you on the next available flight at no extra charge. If that flight is the next day or later, ask whether the airline will provide a hotel room and meals. During a shutdown, airlines are often more flexible about these accommodations because they know the delays are not their fault.

If you are flying during a shutdown, arrive at the airport earlier than you normally would. Security lines may be longer because some TSA staff are also furloughed, and you will want buffer time in case your flight is delayed or you need to rebook.

How to track FAA status and shutdown updates

The FAA publishes real-time information about airport operations on its website at faa.gov. Look for the "Airport Status and Information" section, which shows delays and closures at major airports. This page updates every few minutes and reflects current conditions, not forecasts.

The FAA also maintains a Twitter account (@FAANews) that posts updates about shutdowns and operational changes. News outlets covering the shutdown will report on which airports are most affected, but the FAA's own website is the most reliable source for your specific airport.

Your airline's app or website is the best place to check your individual flight. Most airlines push notifications to your phone when flights are delayed or cancelled, so enable notifications if you are flying during a shutdown period.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not automatically. Major airports will continue operating with reduced capacity, so most flights will run but may be delayed. Regional airports and less-profitable routes are more likely to be cancelled. Check your airline's website for your specific flight status rather than assuming it will be affected.

Can pilots fly during a government shutdown?

Yes, pilots with current licenses can fly. However, pilots waiting for new certifications or medical certificates cannot proceed—the FAA staff who issue these are furloughed. Pilots who need a medical certificate to fly commercially are grounded until the shutdown ends and the FAA processes their paperwork.

How long does it take for flights to return to normal after a shutdown ends?

The FAA returns to full staffing within a day or two, but the backlog of delayed flights and pending approvals takes one to three weeks to clear. Expect continued delays and reduced capacity for at least a week after the shutdown officially ends.

Will I get a refund if my flight is cancelled due to a shutdown?

Airlines are not required to refund you for cancellations caused by government shutdowns, because the shutdown is considered an act outside the airline's control. You are may have access to to rebooking on another flight at no charge, or you can request a refund and rebook with a different airline at your own expense.

Are smaller airports more affected by shutdowns than large ones?

Yes. Large airports like Atlanta or Chicago have enough staff to maintain most operations even with furloughs. Small regional airports often lose a much larger percentage of their workforce and may reduce flights significantly or close temporarily.