Impacts of the US Government Shutdown: From Jobs to Travel Disruptions

Thu Oct 16 2025 22:21:10 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The recent federal government shutdown in the US poses significant challenges, affecting air travel, federal workers, national parks, and social services. Over 800,000 federal employees will be placed on unpaid leave, leading to widespread disruptions across multiple sectors.

The US federal government has entered a shutdown after lawmakers failed to reach a budget agreement, leaving significant impacts on jobs, air travel, national parks, and public services. Approximately 800,000 federal employees will not receive pay, with potential delays in air travel and closure of national parks as a result of staff shortages. Key services like Medicare and Medicaid may also experience interruptions.

The US federal government has shut down after Republican and Democratic lawmakers failed to resolve a budget standoff. The impasse affects the funding of government operations through October and beyond and is poised to cause widespread disruption for Americans in various sectors from air travel to zoo visits.

Approximately 40% of the federal workforce – about 800,000 people – will be placed on unpaid leave.

Your next flight

A federal shutdown will hit flyers in various ways, potentially leading to long security lines and delays caused by unpaid air traffic controllers choosing to stay home rather than work for free. Though essential air traffic control and TSA workers must report to work, they will not be paid until the shutdown ends, raising concerns about them calling in sick, as seen during the last shutdown.

No work - or pay - for federal workers

Federal employees are anticipated to be the hardest hit, as they will not receive any paychecks while the shutdown continues. Many non-essential workers will be forced to remain at home, and agencies like the CDC and NIH will furlough personnel, affecting critical research.

National Parks with no staff

National Parks and federal lands have historically closed during previous shutdowns due to staff unavailability. Advocates are calling for complete park closures due to the risks of vandalism and environmental damage when parks operate without staff supervision.

Visit to the zoo

While Washington DC's Smithsonian Institution museums have temporary funding to remain open, webcams at the National Zoo will shut off as they are not deemed essential. However, animal care will continue as normal.

Health care for the elderly and poor

Programs like Medicare and Medicaid will continue, but staffing shortages could disrupt services. Funds intended for food assistance programs may face depletions if the shutdown persists and the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) could run out of money for its Disaster Relief Fund.

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