Air Traffic Control Shortages During Government Shutdown: What to Know

Officials have said that the existing air traffic controller shortage, compounded by controllers calling out sick during the shutdown, has strained aviation.

The air traffic control tower at Los Angeles International Airport on July 1, 2025. John Fredriicks/The Epoch Times

As the government shutdown entered its 13th day on Oct. 13, the lack of funding continued to cause shortages at air traffic control, impacting air travel nationwide.

Air traffic controllers, like their counterparts at the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), are considered “essential” workers and are required to report to their stations during government shutdowns, even without pay.