As a potential federal government shutdown approaches, uncertainty for domestic travelers in the United States and international visitors grows. The impending closure may severely impact the air traffic control system, which is vital for maintaining safe and efficient travel. At issue, according to industry experts, is that though flights will still be running, they’ll be doing so amid widespread disruption — delays and cancellations abound.
The impact of a potential government shutdown goes well beyond air travel. National parks, including the iconic Statue of Liberty, could face closures, affecting tourism and local economies. As the government grapples with budgetary issues, both travelers and park enthusiasts face uncertainty in the coming weeks.
Air Traffic Control System Under Pressure
A government shutdown would stop all of the FAA’s vital efforts to shore up the U.S. air traffic control system. This highly complex system is leveraged every day to make air travel both safe and efficient. Under a shutdown, hiring for air traffic controllers would stop immediately, putting the FAA on a path to a critical staffing shortage.
Field training for new controllers would grind to a halt. Such disruptions would be a major loss in air traffic performance analysis capabilities, a fundamental tool for oversight of flight operations and safety.
History shows that pretty quickly once a staffing shortage materializes, there are serious consequences. For instance, in January 2019, a lack of air traffic control staff led to temporary flight halts at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.
“We hope that all parties will work together to keep federal offices and parks open without interruption.” – Kathleen Qorraj
National Parks Facing Uncertain Futures
The National Park Service has begun making plans for the possible closing of national parks, monuments, battlefields, and other sites during an expected government shutdown. According to this report, the final plans to close the “majority of National Park sites” are being developed. In 2013, an estimated 8 million recreation visits were lost during a 16-day shutdown, highlighting the profound impact such closures can have on public access.
While many parks stayed open during the last shutdown in 2019, visitor services were empty. This reality led to disappointment for travelers who arrived to find facilities closed during their trips.
Here’s what Theresa Pierno, CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association, one of the nation’s leading environmental watchdogs, had to say about the expected shutdown fallout.
“A shutdown would furlough thousands of staff, drain millions in revenue from communities that rely on park tourism, jeopardize the protection of historic and natural resources, and upend plans for countless visitors.” – Theresa Pierno
In anticipation of this potential threat, the state government of Utah has aggressively tracked what was happening in Washington around national park funding. Officials are working hard to make sure that none of these areas close entirely if a shutdown happens.
“In the event of a federal shutdown, we are committed to keeping these areas accessible.” – Utah’s state government
On Friday, Colorado took a courageous step. Specifically, it will maintain access to its four national parks and other federal lands open during a potential shutdown.
Broader Impact on Travelers
Travelers should be ready to deal with changes or disruptions to their plans as a result of the expected government shutdown. Although air traffic will eventually return, experts warn that the aviation industry is facing severe pressure. Americans who want to travel will continue to experience delays and cancellations with an increasingly dire staffing shortage and growing operational challenges.
The State Department further provided assurances to citizens. Last year the State Department provided assurances about consular operations during a shutdown.
“Consular operations domestically and abroad will remain operational. This includes passports, visas, and assisting US citizens abroad.” – State Department spokesperson
The cascading impacts on air travel and national parks are illustrative of the far-reaching consequences of a government shutdown. Travelers looking to book new travel during this transitional and uncertain time should continue to be on the lookout for clarification from federal agencies and airlines.
