Impact of the US Government Shutdown: What You Need to Know

Sun Oct 19 2025 17:44:58 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The US federal government's recent shutdown has significant implications for various sectors, affecting air travel, federal employment, and access to national parks.

The shutdown due to budget disputes has led to widespread disruptions across the country. It affects air travel with possible delays, puts 800,000 federal workers on unpaid leave, and closes national parks. Health services and food assistance programs are also at risk of interruptions. The implications of the shutdown will be felt across multiple areas of American life, prompting concerns about its long-term effects on citizens.

The US federal government has shut down after Republican and Democratic lawmakers failed to resolve a budget standoff.

This impasse affects the funding of government operations through October and beyond and is poised to cause widespread disruption for Americans in areas ranging from air travel to zoo visits.

The political gridlock is also 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 a variety of 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 TSA workers are considered essential, so they will continue to go to work in the event of a shutdown but will not be paid until the shutdown ends.

No work - or pay - for federal workers

Federal employees are expected to be hardest hit, as they will not receive any pay check while the shutdown continues. Some workers may choose to take second jobs, as they have during previous shutdowns. Employees that are not deemed to be essential will be forced to stay home.

National Parks with no staff

Federal lands, including National Parks and National Forests, have been closed to visitors during past shutdowns, since rangers and other employees were asked to stay at home.

Visit to the zoo

Washington DC's famous Smithsonian Institution museums will stay open until at least next Monday, 6 October. Animals at the National Zoo will continue to be fed and cared for, according to the Smithsonian.

Health care for the elderly and poor

Medicare and Medicaid, social health programmes for the elderly and poor, will continue, but staffing shortages could lead to some interruptions for certain services.