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Political Stalemate Puts Aviation Safety at Risk as Shutdown Reaches Day 30

Political Stalemate Puts Aviation Safety at Risk as Shutdown Reaches Day 30

Bitget-RWA2025/11/01 14:32
By:Bitget-RWA

- Major U.S. airlines urge Congress to end the 30-day government shutdown, citing risks to air safety and holiday travel amid unpaid staff shortages. - Air traffic controllers face mandatory overtime without pay, worsening delays at key airports and eroding safety focus, per FAA and union reports. - Political gridlock blocks funding bills, with Democrats demanding extended healthcare subsidies and Republicans failing to secure 60 Senate votes for a resolution. - Economic costs reach $7B for a four-week shu

United and

, along with several other leading airlines, have ramped up their calls for Congress to resolve the government shutdown, cautioning that the ongoing impasse is putting air travel safety at risk and further burdening an already stretched workforce. As the shutdown reached its 30th day on October 30, 2025, both air traffic controllers and TSA agents remained on duty without pay, prompting airlines to emphasize the escalating dangers to the busy holiday travel period. "If the shutdown drags on, travelers will face more flight delays and cancellations—something the public shouldn't have to deal with, especially during the holidays," American Airlines said in a recent statement, according to .

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has attributed delays at major airports such as Boston, Dallas, and Orlando to staffing shortages, with some delays stretching up to four hours, as reported by

. Air traffic controllers, already operating with 3,800 fewer staff than the FAA’s target, are now required to work overtime without pay, CNBC noted. Nick Daniels, who leads the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, cautioned that the ongoing financial instability is undermining safety. "With each day the shutdown persists, the safety of the National Airspace System declines," he wrote in a CNBC opinion piece.

Political Stalemate Puts Aviation Safety at Risk as Shutdown Reaches Day 30 image 0

The economic consequences are growing. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projected that a shutdown lasting four weeks could reduce economic output by at least $7 billion by the end of the year, and that figure could double to $14 billion if the shutdown extends to eight weeks. Airlines, however, argue that the toll on people and operations is even greater.

CEO Scott Kirby called on Congress to approve a "clean continuing resolution" to temporarily fund the government, noting that missed paychecks "add to the pressure on critical staff," according to . , for its part, has downplayed the direct financial hit, estimating daily losses of under $1 million, according to , but has joined other airlines in urging for a swift end to the shutdown.

The political stalemate remains unresolved. Democrats have declined to back temporary funding unless Republicans agree to prolong enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, which impact 22 million people, CNBC reported. Senate Republicans, who hold 53 seats, have not managed to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to pass a funding bill, with 13 failed attempts since the shutdown began, according to

. President Donald Trump has advocated for abolishing the Senate filibuster to speed up negotiations, a move that would significantly change the legislative process, Yahoo News reported.

Public anxiety is mounting as well.

revealed that 75% of Americans are concerned about the shutdown, with 45% attributing blame to Trump and congressional Republicans. Vice President JD Vance has tried to reassure the public that flying is still "safe," though flight delays have become more common as staffing issues worsen, ABC News reported separately.

As the shutdown approaches the 35-day record set in 2018-2019, airline industry groups and unions are warning of a breaking point. "Missing paychecks only heightens the strain on these vital employees,"

said in a statement, according to Yahoo News. With lawmakers slow to act, the risks for travelers and the economy at large continue to grow.

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Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.

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