Nationwide U.S. government shutdown – travel and service impacts

Nationwide U.S. government shutdown – travel and service impacts The continuing U.S. federal government shutdown is expected to last into at least early November and is already affecting selected services and parts of the transport system. Travellers and organizations with U.S. exposure should expect sustained operational friction rather than a single one-day disruption. The Federal Aviation Administration plans to cut capacity by up to 10 per cent at 40 major airports, with an initial four per cent reduction ramping up over several days. Commercial flights are still operating, but thousands of domestic services are likely to face delays, schedule changes or cancellations. Some airports, including Nashville International, have already reduced flight volumes due to air traffic controller shortages, and staffing pressures are also reported at Newark, Denver, Dallas–Fort Worth, Chicago O’Hare and Philadelphia. International flights are generally expected to continue, and major U.S. carriers are offering flexible rebooking and refund options. Beyond aviation, the shutdown is disrupting several federally funded services, including some food inspection and assistance programs, national park operations and the release of key economic data. Essential personnel in border protection, law enforcement and in-hospital healthcare remain on duty, but rising staff absences could degrade service levels over time. Public transit, Amtrak and most local rail systems continue to operate normally. Recommended actions: confirm all U.S. travel before departure, monitor airline and FAA updates closely, allow extra time at airports and anticipate delays in federal services, including customs, visas and some welfare and healthcare programs.