Through Maria Spiller
February 1, 2026
While the FAA shutdown is expected to be short-lived, it is creating new anxiety among lawmakers, airlines and controllers after last year’s prolonged disruptions.
The Federal Aviation Administration partially shuttered Jan. 30 after Congress failed to finalize a funding package, rekindling concerns about the reliability of air travel, less than three months after a prolonged spending slump caused widespread flight disruptions across the country.
While this FAA shutdown is expected to be short-lived and possibly limited to the weekend, aviation leaders and federal employee unions warned that even brief outages will put additional strain on an already fragile system. Air traffic controllers, considered essential workers, continue to work without pay as negotiations stall.
“I am concerned about the impact on the Department of Transportation,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), highlighting the potential risks associated with another funding disruption. Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) echoed that sentiment, adding, “Let’s hope it’s a very short shutdown.”
If reported Through Politics, Funding for the FAA and the broader Department of Transportation is included in H.R. 7148, a sweeping appropriations bill that passed the Senate on a 71-29 vote on January 30. However, because senators made changes to a version previously passed by the House of Representatives, the measure must now return to the House of Representatives, which is out of session until Monday. As a result, the funding lapsed early Saturday. President Donald Trump has expressed support for the bill, raising expectations that the shutdown could be resolved quickly.
The timing has heightened concerns on Capitol Hill, especially as the FAA continues to grapple with long-standing problems such as staffing shortages, outdated equipment and heightened oversight following a federal investigation that recently placed significant blame on the agency for last year’s deadly air disaster in Washington.
The memories of last year’s 43-day closure remain fresh. That funding loss led to widespread air traffic controller absences and ultimately forced the FAA to impose mandatory flight reductions at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports. Airline cancellations became a visible symbol of the gridlock in Congress.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association said earlier this week that recurring shutdowns and the continued threat of them are putting “unnecessary strain” on essential FAA workers and the broader aviation network. According to the union, auditors will miss out on some of their Feb. 17 paychecks and receive no pay at all on March 3 if the shutdown continues, suggesting the impact on staffing could come later rather than immediately.
Airlines for America, which represents major U.S. airlines, urged lawmakers to “protect” the FAA, noting that the previous shutdown “negatively impacted more than 6 million passengers and had an economic impact of $7 billion.”
Lawmakers from both parties expressed concern. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), chairman of the Senate Aviation Subcommittee, said he is “absolutely” concerned. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), recalling the recent winter travel delays, said, “It’s a tough time of year to have more disruptions — and there’s no good time, but this is certainly not a good time.”
Efforts to prevent similar situations have stalled. Proposed legislation that would ensure air traffic controllers continue to be paid during shutdowns has failed to gain traction. “People thought the shutdown was … two months ago and not now,” Moran said, pledging to continue highlighting the issue.
As Congress works to resolve the FAA shutdown, industry leaders warn that repeated funding shortfalls will continue to undermine confidence in the nation’s aviation system — even if the disruptions are short-lived.
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