The Impact of the US Government Shutdown: Jobs, Travel, and National Parks

Fri Oct 03 2025 03:49:42 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As the US federal government enters a shutdown phase, approximately 800,000 federal employees face unpaid leave, while travelers and national parks brace for disruptions. This article explores the far-reaching effects of the shutdown on various sectors, including air travel safety, federal employment, and public services.

The US federal government shutdown has commenced due to a budgetary impasse between lawmakers, affecting operations across multiple sectors. With about 800,000 federal employees facing unpaid leave, travelers may experience flight delays, and many national parks will be closed. Essential services like Medicare and disaster relief will continue but may face staffing shortages. This situation underscores the significant disruptions an extended shutdown can bring to everyday American life.

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

The political gridlock is expected to put 40% of the federal workforce – about 800,000 people – on unpaid leave. Here's how its impact will be felt across the country.

Your next flight

A federal shutdown will hit flyers in various ways, potentially leading to long security queues and delays caused by unpaid air traffic controllers choosing to stay home rather than work for free. Air traffic control and Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) workers are considered essential and will continue working during the shutdown but will not be paid until it ends. This situation could mirror the last shutdown, where increased sick calls led to airport delays. Those planning to travel abroad may face longer processing times for travel documents at US passport agencies.

No work - or pay - for federal workers

Federal employees are expected to be heavily impacted, as they will not receive paychecks while the shutdown continues. Some may take second jobs while others stay home, although non-essential employees have received back pay retroactively after past shutdowns. Agencies like the CDC and NIH could furlough many workers, affecting ongoing research. President Trump has indicated that shutdowns could lead to job cuts and service reductions targeting Democratic priorities. Federal contractors will also face work disruptions, as they historically do not receive back pay.

National Parks with no staff

National Parks and Forests will close to visitors since rangers are expected to stay home. Past practices have seen parks left open without staff, leading to vandalism and misuse of resources. Advocacy groups have urged that parks remain fully closed during shutdowns to prevent damage.

Visit to the zoo

While the Smithsonian's museums, including the National Zoo, remain open initially, the zoo staff will cut non-essential services, including popular animal webcams, while ensuring animals are cared for. Funding from prior fiscal years allows for this temporary continuation.

Health care for the elderly and poor

Medicare and Medicaid will continue, but there may be delays. Disaster relief services can proceed, yet delays in the National Flood Insurance Program could affect housing transactions. WIC’s funding is also at risk of depletion.