What happens to the FAA during a government shutdown
During a government shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration stops receiving funding, but air traffic control does not stop. The FAA's 14,000 air traffic controllers stay on the job without pay until the shutdown ends. Flights continue to operate, though with delays and reduced services.
The shutdown affects which FAA employees work and which do not. Controllers, safety inspectors, and emergency responders are considered essential and must report to work unpaid. Administrative staff, training programs, and non-emergency maintenance are suspended. This staffing gap creates bottlenecks that slow down the system even though planes are still flying.
Key Takeaways
- Air traffic controllers work without pay during a shutdown, so flights operate but often experience delays.
- The FAA cannot issue new pilot licenses, medical certificates, or airworthiness approvals while shutdown funding is frozen.
- Runway maintenance, facility repairs, and equipment upgrades stop, which can worsen existing delays.
- A shutdown lasting more than a few weeks can force airlines to reduce flights or cancel routes because safety certifications expire.
- Delays typically worsen as a shutdown continues, since controllers work without pay and morale drops.
Which FAA services stop when ready
The FAA cannot process new pilot licenses or medical certificates during a shutdown. If you are a pilot waiting for a medical exam or license renewal, that work halts. The FAA's certification division also stops approving new aircraft, engines, and avionics — so manufacturers cannot bring new products to market.
Safety inspections of aircraft maintenance facilities continue for active operations, but routine facility inspections and compliance reviews pause. This means problems in maintenance shops may go undetected longer than usual. The FAA also stops issuing new airport construction permits and cannot review airline safety plans that are not tied to when ready operations.
How delays get worse as a shutdown continues
In the first week of a shutdown, delays are often modest because controllers are still fresh and the backlog is small. After two weeks, fatigue sets in. Controllers work without knowing when they will be paid, and many have to take second jobs or reduce hours. Sick leave increases, which means fewer controllers on duty during peak hours.
Maintenance also suffers. Runway repairs, lighting upgrades, and equipment replacements stop. If a runway light fails or a taxiway needs resurfacing, it stays broken until funding returns. These small failures compound into longer taxi times and reduced runway capacity. Airlines may also reduce flights preemptively because they cannot get new safety approvals or schedule maintenance work.
What airlines and airports do during a shutdown
Airlines cannot file new routes or change schedules that require FAA approval. They also cannot hire new pilots or mechanics because background checks and certifications pause. Some airlines reduce flights to major hubs to concentrate traffic where staffing is strongest, which can leave smaller airports with fewer options.
Airports lose federal funding for operations and maintenance. Smaller regional airports may close some facilities or reduce hours. Larger airports stay open but defer repairs and upgrades. Concourse cleaning, baggage system maintenance, and terminal improvements all slow down or stop.
How long a shutdown has to last before it affects your flight
A shutdown lasting one to three days usually causes minor delays — a few minutes to an hour on average routes. Controllers are still alert, and the system has not degraded. After one week, delays grow noticeably. Controllers are tired, and maintenance backlogs start to show. After two weeks, some airlines may reduce flights or cancel routes because they cannot get the approvals they need to operate safely.
A shutdown longer than three weeks can force airlines to ground aircraft. Pilot medical certificates and airworthiness approvals expire, and the FAA cannot renew them. An airline cannot legally fly a plane whose airworthiness certificate has lapsed, even if the plane is mechanically sound. This is rare but has happened in past shutdowns lasting more than a month.
What you should do if a shutdown is announced
If a shutdown is expected, check your airline's website or call them directly to ask whether they plan to reduce flights. Some airlines publish shutdown contingency plans. Book flights on major carriers and major routes first — these are least likely to be cut. Avoid connecting flights through small regional airports, which may lose service.
If you are a pilot or aircraft owner, contact your local FAA office to ask which services will remain open. Medical exams and license renewals should be completed before a shutdown begins if possible. If you are waiting for an airworthiness approval or certification, expect delays of weeks or months after the shutdown ends, since the FAA will have a backlog to clear.
What happens after the shutdown ends
When funding returns, the FAA rehires furloughed staff and resumes normal operations. However, the backlog of work does not disappear. Pilot licenses, medical certificates, and aircraft approvals that were delayed pile up. The FAA typically takes weeks or months to clear this backlog, so delays in getting certified continue after the shutdown itself ends.
Airlines also need time to resume normal schedules. Some routes that were cut may not return when ready. Controllers who worked without pay often take vacation or sick leave once they receive back pay, which can cause staffing shortages in the weeks after a shutdown ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my flight be cancelled if there is a government shutdown?
Most flights continue during a shutdown, but delays are common. A shutdown lasting one to two weeks rarely causes cancellations on major routes. Longer shutdowns or flights through small regional airports are more likely to be affected. Check with your airline directly — they can tell you whether they plan to reduce service on your route.
Do air traffic controllers work during a shutdown?
Yes. Air traffic controllers are essential personnel and must work without pay until the shutdown ends. This is why flights continue, but delays often increase as controllers become fatigued and the system degrades over time.
Can I get a pilot license or medical certificate during a shutdown?
No. The FAA stops processing new licenses, medical certificates, and renewals during a shutdown. If you need either one, complete the process before a shutdown begins. After a shutdown ends, expect a backlog — processing times may be longer than usual for several weeks.
How do I know if my flight will be delayed by a shutdown?
Call your airline or check their website. They can tell you whether they are reducing flights on your route. The FAA also publishes updates on its website about which services are suspended. Delays typically worsen the longer a shutdown lasts, so a shutdown in its second or third week is more likely to affect you than one in its first few days.
What if I am stranded because of shutdown-related cancellations?
Your airline is responsible for rebooking you on the next available flight or offering a refund. Keep your boarding pass and confirmation number. Document the reason for the cancellation — if it is shutdown-related, you may have grounds to dispute any fees the airline charges for rebooking.