U.S. gov’t shutdown begins; air traffic services will continue

Parts of the U.S. federal government have been forced to halt operations after congressional leaders failed to reach a budget agreement by the Oct. 1 deadline.

Despite last-minute talks, lawmakers were unable to pass funding legislation yesterday before the start of the new fiscal year, reports USA Today.

As a result, a partial government shutdown took effect at midnight on Wednesday (Oct. 1), marking the beginning of fiscal year 2026.

The shutdown will remain in place until Congress approves new appropriations.

What does it mean for air travel?

As previously noted, a full U.S. government shutdown could have significant impacts on the U.S. travel and tourism industry.

Travellers could face longer waits at airports, confusion around flight schedules, and closures of U.S. National Parks.

The broader travel industry could also take a heavy hit, with lost tourism revenue rippling through the economy.

READ MORE: What a U.S. government shutdown could mean for travellers

Although many aviation workers—such as air traffic controllers—are deemed essential and would still be required to work, they would do so without pay. That situation could lead to staffing shortages and operational challenges.

In the case of a partial shutdown, the most significant effects will be experienced by government employees in nonessential roles, including those working in national parks.

U.S. air traffic workers, however, will continue – but without pay until the government is funded again. The situation could quickly lead to staffing shortages and operational challenges.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel, who manage airport security checkpoints, are also considered essential and are required to work.

Critical functions—including the certification and oversight of commercial aircraft and engines—will also continue, along with limited air traffic safety monitoring.

Aviation groups push back

In a letter Monday, a coalition of aviation groups urged Congress to avoid a shutdown, saying funding gaps hurt the Federal Aviation Administration.

“While air traffic controllers, technicians and other excepted aviation safety professionals will continue to work without pay, many of the employees who support them are furloughed, and the programs that the FAA uses to review and address safety events are suspended. To remain the world leader in aviation, we must continue to strive to improve efficiency and further mitigate risk,” the groups wrote.

The broader consequences for the U.S. travel sector could be severe, especially as many tour operators and hospitality workers are already struggling with the sharp decline in Canadian visitors—many of whom have pledged to avoid the U.S. amid President Trump’s annexation threats and tariff policies.

Since 1977, the U.S. government has shut down 21 times, lasting a combined total of 121 days—an average of nearly eight days each.

Of these shutdowns, the shortest lasted only a few hours, while the longest stretched 35 days.

Both occurred during President Donald Trump’s first term—the short shutdown in February 2018 and the record-long shutdown from December 2018 to January 2019.

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