Reuters
David Shepardson
01 October 2025
The U.S. Transportation Department said on Tuesday more than 11,000 employees at the Federal Aviation Administration, about a quarter of its staff, would be furloughed if government funding lapses.
U.S. airlines have warned that a partial federal government shutdown at midnight (0400 GMT) could strain American aviation and slow flights, as air traffic controllers and security officers would be forced to work without pay and other functions would be halted.
With an eye on keeping the skies safe, more than 13,000 current air traffic controllers would be required to continue working, but would not be paid until the shutdown ended, the FAA said.
The National Transportation Safety Board said about 25% of its 400 employees would be furloughed but it would still be able to launch new investigations into air accidents and other incidents and continue its probe into the January 29 mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional jet and Army helicopter that killed 67 people.
FAA plans to furlough 11,000 employees in US government shutdown | Reuters | 01 Oct 2025
