The U.S. government shutdown, now in its 31st day as of October 30, 2025, has severely strained the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with unpaid air traffic controllers and halted operations threatening a major aviation crisis. Vice President JD Vance warned at the White House that continued delays in pay could trigger a "disaster" next month, especially as controllers miss a third paycheck. He described a potential "meltdown" that would make flying nearly impossible for millions of Americans.

At a meeting with aviation leaders, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy accused Democrats of holding "American families' travel hostage." He predicted snarled air traffic and widespread disruptions if the shutdown persists. Union reports show hundreds of controllers taking second jobs—delivering food, driving rideshares, or tutoring—to survive after missing their first full paycheck.

Major airports like Newark, Los Angeles, and Reagan National have already faced ground stops and hours-long delays due to understaffed towers. The FAA has imposed flow restrictions and ground delay programs to manage the shortfall. Hiring and training of new controllers have completely stopped, worsening the staffing crisis.

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The shutdown stems from a partisan standoff: Republicans claim Democrats demand healthcare subsidies for illegal immigrants, while Democrats insist on reversing cuts to citizen healthcare in the "Big Beautiful Bill." With no resolution in sight, the aviation sector braces for chaos as Thanksgiving travel approaches.

As holiday flights loom, Vance urged swift action to avert disaster, but political gridlock continues, leaving air travel vulnerable and passengers at risk of massive disruptions.

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