Why the FAA Could Face Major Disruptions in Shutdown

Here’s a detailed look at what will and won’t be affected at the agency as a potential government closure approaches on October 1.

Meg Godlewski

Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

FAA insignia on a laptop [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

A looming government shutdown could furlough over 16,000 FAA employees and lead to a curtailment of many agency operations.
Despite the shutdown, critical aviation safety services like air traffic control, check rides, airmen medical certifications, and the maintenance of navigational aids will largely continue, with many essential personnel working without pay.
Key functions that will be affected include air traffic controller hiring and field training, aviation rulemaking, development of next-generation technologies and safety standards, and most administrative support services.

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The government may shut down in less than a week as it runs out of funds at midnight on Wednesday, October 1.

In broad strokes, that means government-funded entities—like the Department of Transportation (DOT), which includes the FAA—won’t be financially supported and will be curtailing operations until a budget can be established. How long that takes is up to the lawmakers in Washington, D.C.