Overview
- The government shutdown has reached about 35 days, and the transportation secretary cautioned that another week could bring “mass chaos” with targeted airspace closures.
- FAA data show 20–40% of air-traffic controllers are missing unpaid shifts at major airports, forcing reduced throughput and longer waits.
- About 13,000 controllers and roughly 50,000 TSA officers are working without pay, contributing to staffing shortfalls and extended security lines.
- Industry figures report tens of thousands of delays since October 1, with more than 3.2 million passengers affected by disruptions.
- Airline stocks dropped roughly 3–5% after the warning, while congressional leaders signaled tentative movement toward a stopgap deal despite unresolved disputes over health-subsidy funding.