US government shutdown disrupts air travel and tourism

Airports, parks and local economies brace for fallout from political gridlock

The latest US government shutdown is set to ripple through the country’s travel and tourism industry, from airport delays to national park closures. While planes and trains will keep running, unpaid staff, halted training programs and shuttered attractions could create serious headaches for travelers and local businesses.

Key takeaways

• Flights still running, but expect delays: Air traffic controllers and TSA staff are considered essential, so airports remain open, but unpaid work and possible staff shortages could slow operations.
• Training setbacks for aviation safety: The FAA’s hiring of new air traffic controllers is stalled, with training and system upgrades paused during the shutdown.
• National parks hit hard: Iconic destinations like the Grand Canyon could close entirely, cutting off millions of visitors and draining local tourism revenue.
• Economic pain for local communities: Restaurants, hotels and small businesses near national parks risk losing significant income if visitor numbers collapse.
• Uneven impact compared to past shutdowns: Some states may use their own funds to keep parks open, as Utah and Colorado did previously, but most sites could lock gates or suspend visitor services.
• Political fallout adds pressure: With Canadian visitors already avoiding US travel during the Trump presidency, the shutdown compounds an already fragile tourism sector.

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