According to Reuters, citing the airline association Airlines for America, more than 3.2 million passengers in the United States have been affected by flight delays and cancellations since the government shutdown began on October 1, 2025.
The organization, which represents major carriers including American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest, Delta, and JetBlue, reported that 16% of all delays in October were caused by air traffic control staffing shortages, compared to just 5% before the shutdown.
On the worst day so far — Friday — over 300,000 passengers faced flight disruptions as airlines struggled to operate safely amid widespread absenteeism among air traffic controllers and security staff working without pay.
Experts warn this could become the largest transportation breakdown in the U.S. since the COVID-19 pandemic. Labor unions report that the aviation workforce is operating at only 70% capacity, with thousands of employees working unpaid, increasing safety risks.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), said:
“When a controller is worrying about paying bills instead of managing air traffic, that’s already a safety issue. We’re on the brink of a systemic failure.”
The shutdown has also hit the tourism industry, with major hubs such as New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), and Los Angeles (LAX) reporting massive delays and missed international connections. According to the U.S. Travel Association (USTA), combined airline and tourism losses could exceed $2.5 billion if the shutdown continues through November.
Travel agencies are urging passengers to allow at least 4–5 hours between connections and to check airline policies for free rebooking or refunds in case of cancellations.
Economists warn that if the shutdown persists, the U.S. could face a transportation logistics crisis affecting not just passengers but also international cargo operations.