Airlines Urge End to Government Shutdown Amid Air Traffic Controller Shortages

Aviation industry leaders are urging Congress to resolve the ongoing government shutdown, expressing concern over the wellbeing of air traffic controllers working without pay and the potential impact on the busy holiday travel season.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby highlighted the broader economic implications, stating that the shutdown is "putting stress on people" and "putting stress on the economy." He noted that airlines serve as a real-time indicator of economic health and have observed a "steep booking impact," suggesting that the entire economy is at risk.

Kirby, along with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Chris Sununu, CEO of Airlines for America, met with Vice President JD Vance to discuss the shutdown's effects on aviation. American Airlines confirmed that CEO Robert Isom attended the meeting, emphasizing that air traffic controllers working without pay is "unacceptable." The airline called for a bipartisan agreement to reopen the government promptly to ensure that air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and Customs and Border Protection employees receive their pay.

The shutdown has led to significant strain on air traffic controllers, with over 13,000 deemed essential and required to work without pay. Many are working six-day weeks of 60 hours or more, exacerbating an existing staffing shortage. Some controllers have taken on additional jobs to make ends meet, while others have called in sick, leading to flight delays and cancellations. On a recent Thursday, more than 7,300 flight delays and over 1,250 cancellations were reported.

As the shutdown approaches a record-setting length, matching the longest funding lapse in U.S. history, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that it could result in nearly $14 billion in losses to the real GDP that will not be recouped. While over 700,000 government employees are going without pay, others, including ICE agents, continue to receive checks.