The U.S. Transportation Department announced that more than 11,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees, approximately a quarter of its workforce, would face furlough should government funding lapse. Both airlines and travelers have raised concerns about potential disruptions, highlighting the strain on American aviation during a federal government shutdown.

Despite the potential furloughs, over 13,000 air traffic controllers must continue working unpaid to maintain safety, as the FAA grapples with a significant staffing shortfall of 3,800 controllers. The FAA would continue hiring and training new controllers, as prior shutdowns caused suspensions in these activities.

The National Transportation Safety Board reported a probable 25% furlough among its 400 employees, though cri

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