Flying Nightmare: How a Federal Government Shutdown Intensifies Travel Chaos

Republicans have a peculiar love for shutting down the government. Despite the negative consequences such as federal employees going without pay and the adverse impact on the economy, they seem willing to endure it just to push their agenda of making homosexuality illegal and controlling people’s clothing choices. For those unaffected by the shutdown, one of the biggest sources of frustration will likely be air travel.

However, this time around, the impact on air travel is expected to be worse than previous shutdowns, as reported by Yahoo Finance. The deadline for avoiding a shutdown coincides with the last day for Congress to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Airlines for America, a pro-airline lobbying group, warned that the shutdown could result in flight delays, longer security lines, and even a pause in the training of new air traffic controllers.

If the FAA is not reauthorized before the government shutdown, which seems likely, flying will become even more nightmarish. Airlines for America argues that it will hinder efficiency and impede the growth of airspace. There is a possibility that the Senate may pass a bill to temporarily keep the government running and reauthorize the FAA, but House Republicans are unlikely to support it or allow it to be voted on.

Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell expressed concern, stating, “The last thing we need is more pressure on an already strained aviation system and workforce.” However, extremists like Matt Gaetz, Paul Gosar, and Marjorie Taylor Greene disagree, and their resistance will likely lead to a government shutdown. Therefore, if you have a flight scheduled in the coming weeks, be prepared for longer security lines, flight delays, cancellations, and an overall nightmarish experience. Alternatively, maybe consider driving. Thanks, Republicans!