Transportation Watchdog Warns Impending Government Shutdown Could Undermine Aviation Safety, Reliability as Controller Hiring Freezes

Arlington, VA (September 30, 2025) — Today, the Center for Transportation Policy (CTP) warned that a federal government funding lapse could undermine the reliability of the nation’s aviation system. Maintenance of air traffic control equipment could be delayed and modernization programs suspended. While air traffic controllers are deemed essential and will therefore work without pay amid a government shutdown, new controller training and hiring could be brought to a standstill. 

Jackson Shedelbower, CTP executive director, released the following statement:

“America’s skies are already strained by a chronic shortage of air traffic controllers and this government shutdown could press pause on efforts to address the staffing deficit. Lawmakers need to put aside their differences and resolve the funding situation so the FAA can get back to stabilizing the workforce, paying its essential employees, and getting travelers where they need to go safely.”

BACKGROUND:

The shutdown comes as the U.S. faces a shortage of nearly 3,000 air traffic controllers, creating severe delays at hubs like Dallas and Newark. While the Transportation Department announced it has met its air traffic controller hiring goal for Fiscal Year 2025, the funding freeze threatens to unravel that progress if training efforts are stalled. 

CTP has previously called for separate, long-term funding arrangements to keep the FAA functioning in the event of government shutdowns.