US aviation shutdown: Leaders meet at White House

White House talks aim to blunt the damage of the US aviation shutdown to airports, air traffic control and airline finances.

Vice President JD Vance is set to meet Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and senior airline industry leaders at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Thursday to address the operational strain caused by the ongoing U.S. government shutdown.

Sources close to the planning say the conversation will center on air traffic control (ATC) staffing shortages, regulatory delays that are slowing certifications and inspections, and mounting financial pressure across carriers and major U.S. airports. Officials plan to discuss short-term contingency measures and potential federal actions to stabilise operations while the shutdown continues.

What’s on the agenda for the US aviation shutdown talks

Attendees will likely outline immediate steps to prioritise safety-critical ATC functions and explore ways to speed regulatory work once funding is restored. While no formal passenger disruption figures were provided, industry leaders have warned that continued staffing gaps and delayed approvals could lead to more flight cancellations, longer delays and higher operating costs.

• Key focus: US aviation shutdown impacts on ATC staffing, regulatory backlogs and airline finances.

The meeting is intended to give government and industry leaders a clearer, shared picture of near-term risks and resource gaps. Officials are expected to discuss coordination between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), airport authorities and carriers to maintain safe service levels until the funding impasse is resolved.

For travelers, the best immediate steps are to check airline updates directly, enroll in carrier notifications, and expect potential short-notice schedule changes while agencies and operators work through staffing and regulatory hurdles triggered by the shutdown.