Air traffic control staffing issues cause flight delays across U.S.
NBC1 day
Ongoing US Government Shutdown Causes Flight Delays Nationwide
Above: The FAA air traffic control tower at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Ill., on Oct. 10, 2025. Image copyright: Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg/Getty Images
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Trump's shutdown, all because he refuses to continue healthcare tax credits, is wrecking U.S. air travel. By forcing air traffic controllers and TSA agents to work without pay amid chronic understaffing, his administration is pushing the aviation system toward collapse. Flights are delayed, safety is strained, and threats to fire so-called "problem" workers show Trump is punishing the very people keeping travelers safe.
Republican narrative
Because the Democrats want to fund healthcare for illegal immigrants, the've decided to shut the government down for weeks, pausing pay checks not only for airport workers, but for many other operations The solution is simple — put partisanship aside for the moment and pass a concise bill to ensure workers, who are already working without pay, will have money to put food on the table.
Libertarian narrative
Whether the shutdown ends soon or not, it proves government shouldn’t run air travel. The FAA's outdated systems, red tape and dependence on Congress make the skies fragile. Privatized models in Canada, Europe and some U.S. airports show safer, faster, friendlier and better-funded service, free from politics and shutdowns.