is it safe to fly during a government shutdown

It is generally safe to fly during a government shutdown, but travelers should expect significant delays and disruptions. Essential airport employees, such as TSA agents and air traffic controllers, remain on duty but work without pay, which can lead to staff shortages as the shutdown continues. This results in longer security lines, slower processing, and potential delays or cancellations. Aviation groups warn that safety remains intact, but certain maintenance and regulatory functions are paused, which could affect safety redundancies and system upgrades if the shutdown is prolonged. Overall, while flights continue, travelers should be prepared for inconveniences and plan extra time at airports during a shutdown.