WASHINGTON / U.S. — As the federal government shutdown stretches into its second week, the ripple effects are being felt across federal workforces and the travel sector. Uncertainty over budgeting has triggered layoffs, furloughs, and mounting strain on the nation’s airports.
The IRS announced that nearly half of its staff — approximately 39,870 employees — will be furloughed amid the funding lapse. In parallel, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory revealed plans to cut around 550 positions as part of a broader restructuring, though officials clarified that move was unrelated to the shutdown itself. Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s broader push for permanent workforce reductions is facing legal challenges: major labor unions have filed suit, arguing that mass firings during a shutdown violate federal law.
On the travel front, airport systems are buckling under staffing strain. In Austin, flight delays of more than 90 minutes have been reported as staffing shortfalls at air traffic control centers degrade scheduling efficiency. Across the country, major airports are grappling with delays of up to three hours, particularly in Chicago, Nashville, and Newark, as essential aviation personnel work without pay. Smaller airports like MBS International continue operations but warn of looming disruptions if the shutdown persists.
With the shutdown already forcing the closure of cultural institutions — such as the Smithsonian museums and National Zoo in Washington — the fallout shows little sign of easing. House Speaker Mike Johnson warned that the impasse may become the longest in U.S. history if Congress fails to compromise.
As federal workers await clarity on pay and job security, travelers brace for further delays. Industry leaders and legal analysts alike expect the disruption to escalate until a resolution is reached — a looming outcome that remains uncertain.
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