How a Government Shutdown Could Impact Travel

"US airlines are urging lawmakers to keep the government running, saying that in order to maintain safety, the nation's air travel "system may need to slow down, reducing efficiency," according to a statement from lobbying group Airlines for America, which represents the largest seven airlines in the US. "When federal employees who manage air traffic, inspect aircraft and secure our nation's aviation system are furloughed or working without pay, the entire industry and millions of Americans feel the strain," the statement says."

"According to a Department of Transportation's plan for budget lapses and shutdowns released earlier this year, operations like air traffic controller hiring and field training will be halted during government closures. That could stymie important progress the department has made in hiring more than 2,000 new air traffic controllers so far this year to help alleviate chronic understaffing in towers around the country."

"According to a contingency plan from the National Park Service (NPS) published in March 2024 under the Biden Administration, "the majority of National Park sites will be closed completely to public access" during a government shutdown. It also notes that the public would be advised to not visit National Park sites even if they remain physically accessible. However, the current administration has not yet published a finalized contingency plan,"

A government shutdown would force the air travel system to slow, reducing efficiency while maintaining safety. Furloughs or unpaid work for employees who manage air traffic, inspect aircraft and secure aviation systems would strain the industry and millions of travelers. Budget lapses would halt air traffic controller hiring and field training, jeopardizing progress after hiring more than 2,000 new controllers this year to reduce understaffing. Development, testing and evaluation of FAA NextGen technology would pause, delaying equipment improvements across airports. National Park Service contingency guidance indicates the majority of park sites would close and the public would be advised not to visit.

Read at Conde Nast Traveler