Shutdown Leaves Aviation Workers Unpaid, Travel Disrupted

On Day 30 of the government shutdown more than 13,000 U.S. air traffic controllers and roughly 50,000 TSA officers are required to work without pay after controllers last received only a partial paycheck on Oct. 14 and have now missed full paychecks. Many controllers report mounting anxiety and are taking second jobs or extra shifts to make ends meet while unions and the aviation community provide relief such as lunches, barbecues and volunteer support at airports including Hobby. Chronic staffing shortfalls — the FAA is about 3,500 controllers below targets — combined with shutdown-related absences have contributed to ground stops, longer delays and cancellations, with FAA data showing average delays of about 91 minutes at Reagan National and 21 minutes at DFW. Former controllers and safety specialists warn a prolonged shutdown could weaken safety by delaying maintenance, training and certifications and by increasing turnover. Lawmakers remain deadlocked even as some members propose bills to pay controllers during a shutdown and officials hold roundtables to address mounting aviation impacts. Travelers are being advised to monitor flights closely and prepare for longer lines, cancellations and other disruptions if the shutdown continues into the holiday travel period.