Government shutdown update: Flights pile up in US airports, military set to miss first paycheck - here's the latest

US government shutdown 2025: The ongoing government shutdown has now become the second-longest in US history, disrupting travel, paychecks, and daily life for millions of Americans, as per a report.

Flight delays mount as staffing shortages hit airports

Airports have once again become the face of the fallout. Flight delays and cancellations are mounting as more air traffic controllers and TSA agents call out due to missed pay. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned on Sunday that the situation could worsen in the coming days, saying, “We’re going to see more staffing shortages in towers, which means more delays, more cancellations,” as per a Yahoo Finance report.

The effects are already being felt nationwide. Over the weekend, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) was brought to a standstill for several hours, just days after similar shutdown-related disruptions hit airports from New York to Texas, as reported by Yahoo Finance.


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Federal workers miss paychecks amid government shutdown

Federal employees are beginning to feel the sting too. Air traffic controllers are expected to miss their first full paycheck on Tuesday, joining hundreds of thousands of government workers who went without pay last week, as per the rpeort. Although back pay is guaranteed by law, but may need to wait until the government reopens, reported Yahoo Finance.

Congress remains deadlocked with no deal in sight

Meanwhile, Congress remains at an impasse. Senators are due back in Washington on Monday, but there’s little optimism for a breakthrough, as per Yahoo Finance. The House of Representatives has been in recess for more than five weeks, with no clear plan to reopen the government, as per the report.

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November deadlines raise pressure as shutdown drags on

Looking ahead, November 1 looms as a critical deadline that could increase political pressure, as per Yahoo Finance. By then, active-duty military members are expected to miss their first paychecks, though US president Donald Trump suggested his administration may find temporary funding to delay that pain until November 15, as per the Yahoo Finance report.

That same day also marks the start of open enrollment for Affordable Care Act health plans, a flashpoint in the ongoing funding dispute and by mid-November, at least 25 states warn they may have to suspend SNAP food benefits if the stalemate continues, as per the Yahoo Finance report.

FAQs

How long has the current US government shutdown lasted?
It has become the second-longest shutdown in US history, lasting several weeks with no resolution in sight.

Why are flights being delayed across the country?
Staffing shortages among air traffic controllers and TSA agents.