What a U.S. government shutdown could mean for travellers

U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic leaders are pointing fingers at each other over the stalemate on a funding agreement to avoid a government shutdown after midnight on Wednesday (Sept. 30), reports say. 

If lawmakers cannot reach an agreement on a spending plan for the new fiscal year, which begins October 1, the federal government could be forced into a shutdown.

Such a scenario would likely disrupt travel within the U.S. as well as for international visitors.

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.

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 quickly lead to staffing shortages and operational challenges.

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.

If a shutdown is to occur, flights in the U.S. are expected to still operate, but the aviation industry would face significant strain, likely resulting in delays and cancellations.

Air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel, who manage airport security checkpoints, are considered essential employees and would be required to work, though they would not receive pay.

As outlined in a plan released by the Transportation Department in March, all 13,000-plus air traffic controllers would continue working without pay during any government shutdown caused by a funding lapse.

Past shutdowns have shown that reduced staffing can disrupt flight operations and lead to longer lines at security checkpoints.

As for visiting U.S. National Parks, the National Parks Conservation Association warns that a government shutdown could close 433 national park sites nationwide.

Visitors hoping to explore these parks might encounter locked gates or closed facilities. In some cases, parks may remain open, but essential visitor services would be unavailable.

A government shutdown could also impact some of America’s most popular museums, including the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.

The Smithsonian manages 21 museums and the National Zoo. While most are located in Washington, DC, two — the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum and the National Museum of the American Indian — are in New York City.

Additionally, one of America’s most iconic landmarks, the Statue of Liberty, which is managed as a national park by the National Park Service, could also close during a shutdown.

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