Travelers across the United States are asking one critical question this week: which airports are affected by government shutdown today? As the federal shutdown enters its third day on November 7, 2025, disruptions are starting to ripple through the nation’s aviation system — from security lines at major hubs to air traffic control operations.
While airports remain open, thousands of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees are working without pay, creating staffing shortages and potential travel delays. The situation has sparked growing concern among travelers and airlines, as the shutdown continues to strain one of America’s most vital infrastructure networks.
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How the Shutdown Impacts U.S. Airports
A government shutdown doesn’t immediately close airports, but it directly affects federal employees responsible for aviation safety and operations.
Two key agencies — the TSA and FAA — are at the center of the crisis.
- TSA officers, who screen passengers and baggage, are considered “essential” and required to work unpaid until funding resumes.
- FAA employees, including air traffic controllers and safety inspectors, also continue working without pay, while new training and certification programs are paused.
As the shutdown extends, staffing shortages, fatigue, and low morale increase the risk of delays and reduced efficiency across major airports.
Major U.S. Airports Currently Experiencing Delays
As of Friday morning, November 7, several major airports across the country have reported minor to moderate disruptions due to reduced staffing. Below is an overview of the airports most affected by the ongoing shutdown:
| Airport | Location | Current Impact (Nov. 7) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) | Atlanta, GA | Moderate delays | Heavier wait times at TSA checkpoints; several lanes closed during peak hours. |
| Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) | Dallas, TX | Moderate delays | Air traffic flow management slowed due to controller shortages. |
| Chicago O’Hare International (ORD) | Chicago, IL | Mild delays | Some flight rescheduling as staffing rotations adjusted. |
| Newark Liberty International (EWR) | Newark, NJ | Moderate delays | Limited air traffic support affecting evening arrivals. |
| Los Angeles International (LAX) | Los Angeles, CA | Minor delays | TSA wait times increasing; FAA inspectors working reduced shifts. |
| Denver International (DEN) | Denver, CO | Moderate delays | Longer security lines, particularly in early morning hours. |
| Washington Dulles International (IAD) | Dulles, VA | Moderate delays | Near the nation’s capital, morale issues among unpaid federal workers visible. |
| Miami International (MIA) | Miami, FL | Minor disruptions | Customs and Border Protection staff operating with reduced resources. |
While all airports remain operational, travelers are urged to arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international flights to account for longer lines and staffing-related delays.
Impact on TSA Checkpoints and Passenger Screening
One of the most visible effects of the government shutdown has been at TSA checkpoints, where lines have grown longer in several major airports.
TSA officials confirmed that while no airport closures have occurred, checkpoint wait times have increased in multiple regions as staff callouts rise. Some officers, facing financial stress from missed paychecks, have called in sick or sought temporary employment elsewhere.
To manage the situation, TSA has temporarily reallocated workers from less busy airports to major hubs like Atlanta, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. However, the impact is being felt unevenly — smaller regional airports have seen minimal change, while large metropolitan hubs are under pressure.
Air Traffic Control: The Backbone Under Strain
The FAA’s air traffic control system is one of the most critical — and most vulnerable — parts of the aviation network during a shutdown. Roughly 14,000 air traffic controllers and thousands of safety technicians are currently working without pay.
Although safety remains the top priority, reduced staffing and halted training programs mean fewer backup personnel are available. This increases the risk of flight delays, particularly during weather disruptions or peak travel times.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), the union representing controllers, has warned that prolonged shutdowns could harm both employee morale and national airspace safety. Similar concerns were raised during the 2018–2019 shutdown, when significant flight delays occurred in New York, Atlanta, and Philadelphia after weeks without pay.
Customs, Immigration, and International Travel
While U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers remain on duty, staffing constraints are creating longer processing times at international arrival terminals.
Airports with heavy international traffic — including New York JFK, Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) — have reported wait times up to 30–45 minutes longer than average at passport control and customs inspection points.
Travelers are advised to use Mobile Passport Control (MPC) or Global Entry kiosks whenever possible to expedite clearance. Airlines have also begun adjusting schedules to allow extra time for passengers connecting from international flights.
Airlines Respond to the Shutdown
Major U.S. airlines — including Delta, American, Southwest, and United — have issued public statements acknowledging the potential impact of the shutdown on operations. While flight schedules remain largely intact, carriers are working closely with the FAA to manage route changes and prevent cascading delays.
Airlines have emphasized that they are not canceling flights due to the shutdown but warned that passenger experience may be affected by longer lines and slower processing times.
Industry analysts estimate that the current shutdown could cost airlines $100–$150 million per week in lost productivity and additional staffing costs if conditions persist into mid-November.
Traveler Tips During the Shutdown
For passengers wondering which airports are affected by the government shutdown today, the best advice is to stay prepared and plan ahead.
Here are a few essential tips for navigating air travel during this period:
- Arrive early: Allow extra time for security and check-in lines.
- Check flight status frequently: Use airline apps and official airport websites for live updates.
- Pack smart: Avoid prohibited items to reduce TSA delays.
- Use expedited screening programs: TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or Global Entry can significantly reduce wait times.
- Stay flexible: Weather, staffing, and policy shifts can cause unexpected changes.
Airports and airlines are doing their best to maintain normal operations, but patience and preparation remain key for travelers until funding is restored.
How Long Could Airport Disruptions Last?
There is no firm timeline for when the shutdown will end. Negotiations in Congress remain stalled over federal spending levels and border security funding, with little progress reported as of Friday afternoon.
Historically, government shutdowns have lasted anywhere from a few days to more than a month. The longest on record — 35 days in 2018–2019 — caused widespread delays and morale issues among aviation staff.
If the current stalemate continues beyond November 15, experts warn that flight cancellations and maintenance delays could increase, especially as the busy holiday travel season approaches.
Safety Remains the Priority
Despite the funding lapse, both TSA and FAA leadership have reassured the public that air travel remains safe. Mandatory safety checks, weather coordination, and emergency response protocols continue without interruption.
However, aviation experts caution that sustained shutdowns can gradually erode efficiency and increase the potential for operational stress across the system.
The FAA has urged Congress to restore funding quickly to protect both travelers and workers. In a statement released Thursday, the agency emphasized that “air safety is non-negotiable, but stability requires consistent support.”
The Bottom Line for Travelers
So, which airports are affected by government shutdown today? The short answer: all U.S. airports are experiencing some degree of strain, though the most significant impacts are currently seen at major hubs such as Atlanta (ATL), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Chicago (ORD), and Newark (EWR).
While flights are still operating nationwide, passengers should expect longer security lines, potential flight delays, and limited staffing until Congress passes a new funding bill to reopen the government.
As millions prepare for the upcoming holiday season, the aviation industry — and the nation — waits anxiously for Washington to break the deadlock.
Are you flying this week or experiencing delays at your local airport? Share your experience in the comments and stay updated as the government shutdown unfolds.