Government shutdown could lead to more flight cancellations, delays, experts warn

Prolonged delays and additional flight cancellations are one of the worst times for air travelers Government shutdown A former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) official warned Sunday that there is no end in sight in history.

“(Air traffic) controllers are essential workers. That’s why they have to come to work without pay, but it’s without pay… After a paycheck or two, many Americans will have a hard time paying their bills,” Dan Elwell, a former FAA deputy administrator, said on “Fox Report Weekend.”

Elwell, who served as FAA administrator during the 2019 government shutdown, warned that the current shutdown is coming to a point where air traffic controllers will struggle to pay their bills and face tough choices to support their families.

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Passengers check their phones during flight delays and cancellations at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on July 19, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

He spoke from experience as he explained the pressure on air traffic controllers as the 2019 shutdown approaches 25 days.

“At about the 25 out of 35 day stage, the stress on controllers “The shutdown really broke at that point, and we ended it because of air traffic control delays and issues,” he said.

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House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., in Washington, DC on Oct. 10. Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Whip Tom Emmer and Brian Steele join for press conference on day 10 of government shutdown on 2025 (Anna Rose Leyden/Getty Images)

The current shutdown reached its 27th day on Monday, as Senate lawmakers remain deadlocked. Republican-sponsored continuing resolutions That, with more Democratic support, the government will reopen.

Democrats are hopeful that Republicans will be busy addressing their demands for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidy expansion.

Elwell said Sunday that the ongoing shutdown could exacerbate existing air traffic control shortages — concerns also expressed by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

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“I don’t believe safety will be compromised, but to keep the airspace safe, the slowdown the FAA is going to have to deal with when we have people calling saying they can’t come to work is going to be very traumatic for the traveling public,” he warned.

“That’s what happened in 2019. These moderators are fantastic, but you can’t ask them to continue without any pay. The stress is too much.”