US Airlines Warn Government Shutdown May Delay Flights

A group representing major U.S. airlines warned that the looming Oct. 1 government shutdown could cause flights to be delayed because air traffic controllers and other federal employees may be forced to work without pay.

The federal government will partially shut down at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday unless Congress can reach a funding deal.

Airlines for America said that furloughing tens of thousands of workers would mean longer wait times and other issues at airports. The group represents major carriers including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, UPS Airlines, FedEx Express, Atlas Air, and Hawaiian Airlines.

“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 group said in a Sept. 30 statement. “We appreciate the men and women who will be going to work, despite not receiving a paycheck, to ensure the safety and security of the traveling and shipping public.”

The group also stated that the midnight “shutdown threat is coming at a critical moment” after Congress approved a $12.5 billion plan to modernize the Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic control systems.

“We urge elected leaders to act with urgency and in good faith to identify a solution that will keep the government open beyond October 1. Travelers, the shipping public and the dedicated federal employees who protect and maintain our nation’s aviation system deserve continuity,” Airlines for America said.

During a meeting at the White House on Monday between President Donald Trump and congressional leaders, no progress was made on a short-term funding bill that would have funded the government until December. In response, Trump released an AI-generated video that made fun of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), who was shown in the clip wearing a sombrero, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

“I think we’re headed to a shutdown because the Democrats won’t do the right thing,” Vice President JD Vance told reporters outside the White House after Monday’s meeting. In that same press event, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told reporters: “If the Democrats make the decisions to shut the government down, the consequences are on them.”

Responding to Trump’s video, Schumer said in a post on X, “If you think your shutdown is a joke, it just proves what we all know: You can’t negotiate. You can only throw tantrums.”

During remarks to the media after the meeting, Schumer likewise said that it’s Republicans who need to decide on averting the shutdown.

“It’s up to the Republicans whether they want a shutdown or not,” Schumer said.

Democrats want to modify the bill to extend health benefits for millions of Americans that are due to expire at the end of the year. Republicans say they must tackle that issue separately.

“Cancel the Cuts. Lower the Cost. Save Healthcare,” Jeffries said in a social media post in response to Trump. “We are NOT backing down.”

The Epoch Times contacted the FAA for comment on Tuesday.

Reuters contributed to this report.