What happens to airports when the government shuts down

During a federal government shutdown, airports stay open and planes keep flying. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continues operating because it is funded through a separate mechanism than most federal agencies. However, some airport services slow down or stop entirely, and delays can happen even though flights themselves are not cancelled by the shutdown.

The key difference is between the FAA—which controls air traffic and runway safety—and the other federal workers and services that airports depend on. Air traffic controllers keep working without pay during a shutdown. But TSA screeners, airport inspectors, and maintenance crews may not show up, which creates bottlenecks that ripple through your flight.

Key Takeaways

  • Airports remain open during shutdowns because the FAA is funded separately, but delays increase when TSA screeners and other federal staff do not report to work.
  • Air traffic controllers continue working without pay to keep planes moving safely, but reduced staffing in other areas can slow down ground operations.
  • Security lines typically grow longer because TSA screeners may call in sick or not show up, even though they are required to work.
  • Baggage handling, maintenance, and airport inspections may be delayed or skipped, which can affect flight schedules and safety checks.
  • Private airport services and airline staff continue working normally, so cancellations are rare unless cascading delays make it impossible to operate a flight.

Why the TSA is the biggest chokepoint during a shutdown

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens every passenger before they board. During a shutdown, TSA officers are required to work but do not receive paychecks. Many call in sick or straightforward do not show up, which means fewer screeners at security checkpoints.

When screening lines grow, passengers miss flights. Airlines may hold a flight briefly, but they cannot wait indefinitely—planes have schedules to keep and other passengers to pick up at the next airport. The result is delays for later flights as the system tries to catch up, and occasional cancellations when a crew times out and cannot legally fly.

The length of security lines varies by airport size and time of day. Smaller regional airports may see modest delays. Major hubs like Atlanta, Dallas, or Chicago can experience waits of 30 minutes to over an hour during peak travel times when staffing is reduced.

Air traffic control and runway safety during shutdown

Air traffic controllers are among the federal workers who must continue working during a shutdown, even without pay. They manage takeoffs, landings, and the flow of planes through the sky. Because this work is essential to safety, the FAA does not reduce staffing in control towers.

However, some air traffic facilities may operate with reduced staff if controllers do not show up. When this happens, the FAA may implement "ground stops"—temporary halts to departures from certain airports—to prevent the airspace from becoming dangerously congested. Ground stops are rare but can cause significant delays and cascading cancellations.

Runway maintenance and safety inspections may be delayed during a shutdown. Federal airport inspectors who check runways, taxiways, and equipment for damage may not be working. This does not usually affect flights in the short term, but it can create a backlog of maintenance work that surfaces after the shutdown ends.

Baggage handling and ground services

Most baggage handlers and ground crews work for airlines or private contractors, not the federal government, so they continue working normally during a shutdown. However, federal workers who inspect baggage equipment or manage airport facilities may not be present.

If airport maintenance staff are absent, repairs to baggage systems, elevators, or other equipment may be delayed. This can slow down boarding and deplaning, which adds minutes to each flight's turnaround time. Over the course of a day, these small delays compound into larger ones.

Customs and international flights

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are also required to work during a shutdown without pay. They process passengers arriving from international flights. Like TSA screeners, some may call in sick, which creates longer waits at customs.

International flights themselves are not cancelled, but passengers may experience delays when clearing customs upon arrival. Outbound international flights are less affected because U.S. citizens do not need to clear customs to leave the country.

How long delays typically last

The severity and duration of delays depend on how long the shutdown lasts and how many federal workers stop showing up. In past shutdowns lasting a few days, delays were usually modest—15 to 30 minutes on average. In longer shutdowns, more workers call in sick, and delays grow.

The longest recent shutdown was 35 days in late 2018 and early 2019. By the end of that period, some airports reported average delays of 45 minutes to an hour, and TSA call-in rates reached 10 percent or higher. Delays typically improve within a few days after the shutdown ends and workers return to normal staffing.

What you can do if you are flying during a shutdown

Arrive at the airport earlier than usual—at least two to three hours before a domestic flight and three to four hours before an international flight. Security lines are likely to be longer, and you do not want to miss your flight because of a backup.

Check your airline's website or app for real-time delay information. Airlines update flight status as delays develop, so you can see whether your flight is affected before you leave home. Follow your airline's social media accounts for announcements about widespread delays.

Pack carry-on luggage if possible. If baggage systems are slow, checked bags may not make it onto your flight or may be delayed arriving at your destination. A carry-on bag gives you more control over your belongings.

Be patient with TSA and customs staff. They are working without pay and are likely stressed. Cooperation and courtesy make the process faster for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my flight be cancelled because of the shutdown?

Cancellations are uncommon during shutdowns. Flights are cancelled only when delays become so severe that crews run out of legal flying time or when air traffic control staffing is so reduced that ground stops are necessary. Most flights operate normally, though many are delayed.

Do I need to change my travel plans if I am flying during a shutdown?

You do not need to cancel, but plan for longer waits at security and customs. Arrive earlier than usual and build extra time into your schedule. If your flight is time-sensitive—a connection, a business meeting, or an event—consider whether the delay risk is acceptable to you.

Are some airports worse than others during a shutdown?

Large hub airports with high passenger volume tend to see longer delays because security lines are longer and staffing shortages have a bigger impact. Regional airports with lower traffic usually experience shorter delays. Check your specific airport's typical congestion before you travel.

Will my baggage be delayed if I check it?

Baggage may take longer to load and unload if airport maintenance staff are absent, but checked bags usually make it onto your flight. International baggage may be delayed longer because customs inspections can slow down the process. Carry-on luggage avoids this risk.

How do I learn about there is a shutdown before I fly?

News outlets report shutdowns prominently. You can also check the FAA website or your airline's website for shutdown notices and any operational changes. Your airline will send notifications about delays or cancellations to the email or phone number on your booking.