J.D. Vance issues dire warning about aviation crisis during government shutdown, ETTravelWorld

The ongoing US government shutdown, now complete for a month, has raised acute concerns in the aviation sector as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other agencies struggle with staffing shortages and unpaid essential workers.

At the White House on Thursday, Vice President J.D. Vance warned that the holdup could lead to a “collapse” of air travel next month if the impasse persists, noting that comptrollers would lose three or more paychecks. “It could be a disaster, it could be,” Vance said after meeting with aviation industry leaders. He expressed concern that the delay would reach a point that “makes it very difficult for the American people to fly.”

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, speaking at the same rally, called on Democrats not to “hold the travel of American families hostage.”

“Our traffic will be disrupted. It will be a disaster for aviation,” Duffy added.

Union data shows hundreds of foremen have already taken second jobs, such as delivering food, driving taxis or teaching, after missing out on their first full paycheck. Staffing shortages forced the FAA to announce “ground delay programs” at major airports due to staffing shortages.

Major hubs, including Newark Liberty International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, experienced ground stops and delays as understaffed towers forced the Federal Aviation Administration to impose flow restrictions.

Industry analysts warn that the situation could deteriorate further as the November travel peak and the holiday season approach. Duffy said many controllers may not be able to continue in their roles if the pay gap extends into multiple missed pay periods, and that “you’re going to have mass issues that start in the airspace.”

The FAA also noted that hiring and training of new controllers, which had already slowed due to previous budget issues, was halted during the shutdown, reducing the number of new employees available to relieve the strained system.

The closure continues with no immediate solution in sight.

Republicans accused Democrats of demanding health care subsidies for illegal immigrants, which Democrats reject as a lie promoted by the Trump administration.

Democrats say they are calling for the repeal of health care cuts for American citizens in the “big, beautiful bill” passed earlier this year.

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