US Government Shutdown Threatens Aviation Safety, Industry Urges Action
The ongoing US government shutdown, starting October 1, 2025, is causing significant disruptions and safety concerns in the aviation sector. More than 11,000 FAA employees have been furloughed, and thousands more continue to work without pay, leading to widespread impacts on flight safety and critical work.
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has expressed concerns about the shutdown's impact on air traffic systems and upgrades. Meanwhile, Airlines for America has urged lawmakers to prevent furloughs and unpaid shifts at the FAA and TSA from slowing the system. A coalition of aviation organizations warns that shutdowns harm the US economy and degrade the redundancies and margins of safety in the National Airspace System.
The shutdown has led to the furlough of 11,322 FAA employees, with about 33,000 remaining on the job but most going unpaid until the shutdown ends. Certification work, new rulemaking, and many safety initiatives are on hold, creating potential bottlenecks later. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association estimates that more than 2,000 of its represented members are furloughed, along with air traffic controllers, passenger screening staff, and other critical personnel facing unpaid shifts. Long-term projects such as infrastructure improvements and mediated contract negotiations are paused due to the shutdown.
The US government shutdown is putting safety at risk and delaying critical FAA work. With more than 11,000 employees furloughed and thousands working without pay, the aviation industry urges lawmakers to act quickly to resolve the shutdown and mitigate its impacts on flight safety and the broader economy.
