The U.S. federal government shutdown, which began on Oct. 1, entered its 36th day on today (Nov. 5), setting a new record for the longest shutdown in American history. The impacts are being felt across the economy and daily life, with the aviation system facing a severe crisis. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has even warned of a potential shutdown of U.S. airspace.
With Democrats and Republicans in Congress locked in a stalemate, the Senate has failed 13 times in the past 30-plus days to pass a temporary funding bill. President Trump, disregarding the public's hardships, remains steadfast in his position, vowing not to yield to Democrats.
Aviation System Under Severe Strain
Secretary Duffy publicly warned on Monday that if the government shutdown leads to unacceptably high risks for air travel, the national airspace would be closed. "If we determine that the shutdown is making flying unsafe, we will shut down the entire airspace and halt travel. We are not at that point yet; currently, we are experiencing significant delays. But the risk is absolutely higher during this prolonged shutdown," Duffy stated in an interview. His comments highlight the highly unstable state of the current aviation system.
63,000 Air Traffic Controllers and TSA Employees Working Without Pay
The government shutdown has forced approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees to work without pay, resulting in a significant deterioration in staffing levels. Nearly half of the 30 busiest airports in the U.S. are experiencing air traffic controller shortages, resulting in massive flight delays and cancellations.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that, on November 3 alone, nearly 2,900 flights were delayed nationwide. Airports in Dallas and Austin implemented ground delay programs, with Houston and Washington airports potentially following suit. Last Friday saw over 6,200 flight delays and 500 cancellations, marking the single worst day for flight disruptions during any government shutdown.
Cumulative Impact on Over 3.2 Million Travelers
Since the shutdown began, more than 3.2 million passengers have been affected by flight delays or cancellations. Airlines for America has emphasized that staffing shortages are significantly impacting operations. Four major airlines and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association are urging Congress to promptly pass a temporary funding bill to restore normal government functions.
Trump Remains Firm, Rejects Direct Negotiations
Despite the escalating crisis, President Trump has refused to engage in direct talks with Democrats. In an interview aired on Sunday, he stated he "will not be blackmailed by Democrats," demanding that Democrats first vote to end the shutdown before any negotiations can occur. White House Spokesperson Jackson echoed this, stating that the Trump administration is willing to engage in policy discussions only if Democrats stop "holding the American people hostage" and reopen the government. Trump has also urged Republicans once again to change Senate rules to eliminate the filibuster and unilaterally break the deadlock.
Economic Toll Mounting
The Congressional Budget Office predicts that the government shutdown will cause the U.S. fourth-quarter GDP annual growth rate to drop by 1 to 2 percentage points. Analysis indicates that the four-week shutdown has already resulted in US$7 billion (approximately HK$54.4 billion) in economic losses. If it continues for six weeks, losses could reach $11 billion (approximately HK$85.5 billion), and if it lasts eight weeks, they could climb to US$14 billion (approximately HK$108.8 billion). As the shutdown prolongs, the risks to the national economy and public livelihood continue to escalate.
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