U.S. airlines are warning Congress that if the government shuts down at midnight, flights could be delayed because air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration employees would be required to work without pay.

Numerous reputable news outlets, including Reuters, The New York Times, CBS News, and The Economic Times, report that U.S. Airlines have issued warnings to Congress about the operational impacts of a federal government shutdown starting at midnight. These warnings emphasize that essential aviation personnel such as air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees would be required to continue working without pay.

This situation is expected to strain the aviation system by slowing flights, increasing delays, and halting certain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) functions like hiring and training. Historical precedent from the 2019 shutdown supports these concerns, as similar conditions then led to significant delays and staffing challenges. The sources consistently highlight that while these workers must work without pay during a shutdown, the lack of funding disrupts overall efficiency and safety operations in air travel.