Republican lawmakers in the United States have raised fresh concerns over the growing impact of the ongoing government shutdown, warning that it could lead to chaos at airports across the country.
The shutdown, now in its fourth week, has affected key government services and left thousands of aviation workers without pay. With the holiday season approaching, lawmakers fear the disruption could ruin travel plans for millions of Americans.
The standoff, which has crippled several government agencies, is a result of a political deadlock between President Donald Trump’s Republican administration and the opposition Democrats. More than 60,000 air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are currently working without pay. Republican leaders have warned that absenteeism among these workers could cause serious delays at airport check-in points and flight operations.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, speaking at a press briefing, said the timing of the shutdown was particularly concerning. “We are entering the holiday season and the height of football season. This is peak travel time for the U.S.,” Johnson said. He noted that hundreds of thousands of Americans would be travelling for games and family gatherings, and prolonged disruptions could affect their ability to reach their destinations.
Johnson also highlighted that the situation was reminiscent of the 2019 government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, which lasted 35 days. During that period, large numbers of airport staff called in sick, leading to widespread flight delays and cancellations. He warned that if the current trend continues, air travel safety could be compromised. “The longer the shutdown goes on, and as fewer air traffic controllers show up to work, the safety of the American people is thrown further into jeopardy,” he stated.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also expressed concern over the toll the shutdown is taking on aviation workers. He revealed that many employees have resorted to taking second jobs, such as driving for ride-hailing services, just to make ends meet. “They are making tough choices to put food on their tables and support their families, even as they continue working to keep the nation’s airspace safe,” Duffy said.
As the shutdown drags on, pressure is mounting on both political parties to reach an agreement and restore normal government operations. Analysts warn that if the impasse continues into November, the economic and social costs could deepen, further straining the U.S. transportation network and public confidence in government leadership.