US airlines warn of travel chaos during government shutdown

Major U.S. carriers say the government shutdown is already straining the aviation system and could spark widespread delays.

United Airlines (UA), Delta Air Lines (DL) and American Airlines (AA) have jointly warned that the ongoing government shutdown threatens air traffic control (ATC) staffing and federal safety oversight, with knock-on effects for flight schedules and passenger experience.

The carriers told lawmakers they are seeing the early signs of operational strain at major U.S. airports, and cautioned that a prolonged funding gap could cascade into longer delays, cancellations and reduced service reliability across the national network.

What the government shutdown means for flyers

ATC (air traffic control) is a shared resource: controllers, technicians and safety inspectors are funded by federal budgets. When parts of government pause, staffing levels and oversight functions can be affected — creating friction for airlines trying to keep planes moving on time.

Airlines urged Congress to act swiftly to restore funding and avoid a scenario where public-sector gaps force carriers into routine last-minute schedule changes or route suspensions. They emphasized safety remains the top priority, but said operational impacts are unavoidable if the shutdown continues.

• Expect longer waits and possible schedule changes during a government shutdown — check flight status and allow extra time at airports.
• Pack essentials in carry-on luggage and register for airline text or app alerts to get real-time updates.
• If your trip is flexible, consider postponing travel until funding and ATC staffing stabilize.

For travelers, the immediate takeaway is simple: stay informed and plan for disruptions. Airlines are coordinating with airports and federal agencies, but the fastest fix is political — Congress must pass appropriations to restore normal operations.

While carriers stop short of forecasting specific cancellations, their joint warning underscores how interconnected U.S. aviation is: federal funding gaps ripple quickly through scheduling, maintenance oversight and ground operations, affecting millions of passengers and the broader economy.