Aviation industry groups are intensifying pressure on US lawmakers to resolve the four-week government shutdown as unpaid air traffic controllers face financial hardship and flight safety concerns mount.

Flights to DFW International Airport are delayed about 18 minutes, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Staffing shortages for air traffic controllers accounted for about 5% of flight delays before the shutdown. It now accounts for about 53% of delays.

The government shutdown has entered its fourth week, meaning essential federal workers are still working without pay. That includes FAA and TSA employees. The Tri-Cities Airport is looking to help employees impacted by the shutdown.

With around 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA agents working without pay, airports from Los Angeles to Chicago are beginning to feel pressure from staffing gaps.

Over 1,400 flights experienced delays due to ongoing air traffic controller shortages amid a lengthy federal government shutdown. The Federal Aviation Administration reported staffing issues affecting flights in the southeast and at New Jersey's Newark airport,

Drone flights would be forbidden over outdoor public gatherings and above 400 feet (122 metres) in most cases. Operators would have to buy drones capable of flying without visual supervision, but, as long as it met spec, each drone leaving a production line would need only testing, not a federal airworthiness certification.

The FAA’s MOSAIC rule takes effect October 22, 2025 for sport-pilot changes and July 24 2026 for airworthiness changes, widening pilot privileges and light-sport aircraft eligibility.

After many federal employees missed paychecks, AFGE called for a “clean” continuing resolution. The financial issues are compounded by other recent changes too.

The federal government shutdown, now in its 25th day, is significantly impacting air travel. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported staffing shortag