Political Deadlock Threatens Air Safety as Shutdown Enters 30th Day

United and American Airlines, alongside other major carriers, have intensified pressure on Congress to end the government shutdown, warning that the ongoing stalemate is jeopardizing air travel safety and straining an already overburdened workforce. With the shutdown entering its 30th day on October 30, 2025, air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers continue to work without pay, prompting airlines to highlight the growing risks to the holiday travel season. "A prolonged shutdown will lead to more delays and cancellations - and the American people, especially during the busy holiday season, deserve better," American Airlines stated in a recent announcement, according to a CNBC report.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported staffing-related delays at major airports, including Boston, Dallas, and Orlando, where delays averaged up to four hours in some instances, according to a Business Standard report. Air traffic controllers, already facing a 3,800-person staffing shortfall compared to FAA targets, are now working mandatory overtime without compensation, CNBC reported. Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, warned that the financial uncertainty is eroding focus on safety. "Every day the shutdown continues, the National Airspace System becomes less safe," he wrote in an op-ed for CNBC.

The economic toll is mounting. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated a four-week shutdown could cost the economy at least $7 billion by year-end, with costs rising to $14 billion if the shutdown stretches to eight weeks. Airlines, however, argue the human and operational costs are even steeper. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby urged lawmakers to pass a "clean continuing resolution" to fund the government temporarily, stating that missed paychecks "increase the stress on essential workers," according to a Yahoo News report. Delta Air Lines, meanwhile, downplayed its direct financial impact, citing losses of less than $1 million daily, according to a Reuters report, though it joined other carriers in calling for an immediate resolution.

Political gridlock remains the central obstacle. Democrats have refused to support short-term funding unless Republicans agree to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, which would affect 22 million Americans, CNBC reported. Senate Republicans, holding 53 seats, have failed to secure the 60 votes needed to pass a funding bill, with 13 failed votes recorded since the shutdown began, according to a CBS News breakdown. President Donald Trump has pushed for ending the Senate filibuster to expedite negotiations, a move that would fundamentally alter legislative dynamics, Yahoo News reported.

Public concern is also growing. An ABC/Washington Post poll found 75% of Americans are worried about the shutdown, with 45% blaming Trump and congressional Republicans for the crisis. Vice President JD Vance has reassured travelers that flying remains "safe," though delays have become more frequent as staffing shortages worsen, ABC News reported in a separate piece.

With the shutdown nearing the record 35-day mark from 2018-2019, the aviation industry and unions are warning of a tipping point. "Missed paychecks only increase the stress on these essential workers," Delta said in a statement, according to Yahoo News. As lawmakers delay action, the stakes for both travelers and the broader economy continue to rise.