Airlines Urge Congress to Prevent Disruptions Amid Looming Government Shutdown

As the U.S. government faces the possibility of another partial shutdown, major airlines are urging Congress to ensure that air traffic controllers and other essential aviation employees are paid during any such event. Airlines for America (A4A), representing major carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, emphasized the severe impact of the last shutdown, which lasted 43 days and disrupted over 6 million passengers and 50,000 flights, resulting in an estimated economic loss of $7 billion.

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During the previous shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was forced to implement unprecedented flight cuts due to rising absenteeism among air traffic controllers, who were working without pay. This led to significant delays and cancellations, particularly at major airports like Dallas-Fort Worth and Reagan National. The FAA reported that it was short approximately 3,500 controllers, exacerbating the situation.

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In December 2025, a House committee unanimously approved legislation aimed at preventing aviation disruptions during government shutdowns by ensuring that air traffic controllers are compensated. This legislation, known as the Aviation Funding Solvency Act (H.R. 6086) and the Aviation Funding Stability Act (S. 1045), has garnered bipartisan support and aims to use funds already paid into the system.

A4A Asks Congress to Pay ATC During Looming Shutdown – Airlines For America

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has voiced strong opposition to the potential for another shutdown, highlighting the unfair burden it would place on controllers and their families. The union criticized the government for not adequately addressing the challenges faced by its members during the last shutdown, stating, “It would be incredibly unfair to the hardworking, patriotic American air traffic controllers and their families.”

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The economic ramifications of government shutdowns extend beyond the airlines. The last shutdown resulted in significant financial losses for major airlines, with American Airlines reporting a revenue hit of approximately $325 million, while Delta and United Airlines faced losses of $200 million and $250 million, respectively. The airlines have expressed concern that another shutdown, especially following recent operational disruptions due to winter storms, would further strain their recovery efforts.

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Airlines for America reiterated the necessity of keeping the aviation system operational, stating, “Congress needs to understand the real-world consequences that impact the American public if planes cannot fly due to a shutdown.” The group has called for immediate action from Congress to prevent the aviation industry from being used as a political pawn.

A4A Asks Congress to Pay ATC During Looming Shutdown – Airlines For America

As the deadline for a potential government shutdown approaches, airlines are closely monitoring the situation and advocating for legislative measures to protect air traffic controllers. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial in determining the stability of air travel in the coming weeks and months.

Major airlines urge Congress to pay air traffic controllers if government shuts down