The recent federal shutdown forced tens of thousands of frontline aviation workers to work without pay for more than 40 days, straining a system already challenged by controller shortages and aging infrastructure. The disruption reduced holiday travel and prompted many workers to take side jobs after unpaid shifts. The author urges Congress to pass the Aviation Funding Stability Act to ensure the FAA can operate through political deadlock and protect both safety and the economy.
Congress Must Shield U.S. Aviation Safety From Political Shutdowns
Before every takeoff and at every landing, pilots and air traffic controllers exchange short, routine communications. Most exchanges are formal and procedural — flight clearances, weather updates and safety checks — but during quieter moments they often include brief human courtesies, such as 'How are you today?' or 'Stay safe up there.' Those small gestures reflect the mutual respect that keeps millions of passengers safe every day.
Shutdowns Put Safety and Workers at Risk
Despite America's reputation as a global safety benchmark, the recent federal shutdown strained that standard. For more than 40 days, tens of thousands of air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Officers, systems specialists and other federal aviation personnel were required to work without pay while continuing to carry the immense responsibility of securing our skies.
No one performing such essential work should be forced to worry about paying rent or covering childcare while protecting the traveling public. The shutdown highlighted how vulnerable the system is: delays and cancellations prompted many travelers to change or postpone Thanksgiving plans, and major airports saw noticeable dips in passenger traffic.
Compounding Systemic Strains
The disruption also exposed deeper, preexisting stresses — a nationwide controller shortage, aging infrastructure and stalled contract negotiations. Many controllers took on side jobs, delivering groceries or driving for rideshare services, to make ends meet after long unpaid shifts. These coping strategies are unacceptable for people who carry public safety responsibilities.
Aviation safety is not a political bargaining chip. It is fundamental public safety and economic infrastructure.
Why Congress Must Act
With the shutdown behind us for now and the risk of another funding lapse looming, Congress should pass the Aviation Funding Stability Act to guarantee the Federal Aviation Administration can continue operating through political gridlock. Such legislation would protect public safety, support the economy and preserve the lifelines communities rely on.
As travel volume increases — particularly during winter and holiday seasons — margins shrink, workload rises and the potential consequences of disruption grow. Pilots face reduced scheduling flexibility and greater risk of crew timeouts; controllers face longer shifts, shorter recovery periods between duty cycles and heavier workloads. The FAA must be insulated from partisan shutdowns so those professionals can focus solely on safety.
A Call To Preserve Safety And Focus
America's outstanding aviation safety record stems from partnership, professionalism and constant vigilance. To keep it that way, lawmakers must ensure the FAA and air traffic control remain operational during funding impasses and that frontline workers are not left to shoulder unpaid duty while the nation waits for political decisions.
Congress has a responsibility to treat aviation safety as a nonnegotiable national priority. Passing the Aviation Funding Stability Act would be a clear step toward protecting travelers, workers and the vital economic systems that depend on reliable air service.
Capt. Jason Ambrosi is president of the Air Line Pilots Association, International, which represents more than 80,000 airline pilots in the U.S. and Canada.
