A partial US government shutdown that began on January 31, 2026, and briefly stalled operations for parts of the federal government ended on February 3, averting further disruptions to air traffic control (ATC) and the broader aviation system.
Congress approved a $1.2 trillion spending package that funds most federal agencies through September 30, 2026, and President Donald Trump swiftly signed the legislation, reopening the government after three days of lapses in appropriations. The deal passed the House by a narrow 217-214 vote and had cleared the Senate before the shutdown took effect.
The partial shutdown had left the Federal Aviation Administration operating under contingency plans, as it furloughed more than 10,000 FAA staff, including administrative, inspection, and support personnel, though air traffic controllers continued to work as “essential” employees without pay.
Controllers and Transportation Security Administration officers and other essential aviation workers are now expected to resume normal pay and staffing levels immediately. During the shutdown, controllers were required to remain on duty without compensation—a situation the airline industry and travel groups had urged Congress to avoid to avoid disruption to flight schedules.
Short-term disruptions were limited compared with the long shutdown last fall, which saw controller absences and flight reductions at more than 40 major US airports. Nevertheless, the brief funding lapse came amid winter weather, prompting airlines and industry associations to reinforce the critical nature of federal aviation staffing and funding.
With the funding restored, normal FAA operations—including air traffic services, aircraft certification, safety inspections, and airport oversight—has resumed.
Aviation leaders had warned that even short shutdowns can have spillover effects on air travel, particularly given ongoing staffing shortages in key aviation roles.
While the bulk of the government is now funded through the fiscal year, debate remains over a separate funding segment for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes TSA and Customs and Border Protection, and is currently funded only through February 13.
