Thousands of British travelers bound for the United States are at risk of experiencing significant delays or flight cancellations due to the ongoing shutdown of the US government.
British citizens planning trips to or from the US have been cautioned about potential disruptions following the Trump administration’s decision to reduce air traffic control staff by ten percent. The impact of the federal government shutdown extends beyond air travel, affecting airport operations, staffing levels, and access to popular tourist destinations.
The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated guidance for UK travelers, warning them to expect longer queues, flight delays, and limited services at US airports. Travelers are advised to check in advance for any closures or restricted access to federally-funded attractions such as national parks, museums, and landmarks.
The US government shutdown, which commenced on October 1 due to a lack of consensus among Washington lawmakers on funding, has left numerous federal employees without pay and essential services operating with minimal staff. This stalemate has exacerbated the ongoing political division between Democrats and Republicans in Congress.
In response to the situation, the FCDO has recommended travelers to stay informed on potential travel disruptions, including flight delays and increased wait times at airports. They also suggest verifying the status of federally-managed tourist sites before visiting as some may have restricted access or be closed.
While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and air traffic control services are still functioning amid the shutdown, staff shortages due to unpaid or absent employees may lead to extended wait times, especially at major US international airports like JFK, LAX, Orlando, and Atlanta.
Domestic travelers within the US are also likely to face longer security checkpoint queues, potentially impacting connecting flights and causing nationwide delays. Airlines operating transatlantic routes are advising passengers to arrive early for check-in and security checks, and to monitor flight status updates regularly.
Furthermore, the closure of federally-managed tourist attractions, including national parks like Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, may disrupt travel plans. Major museums in cities like Washington DC, such as the Smithsonian Institution and the National Air and Space Museum, could also see reduced hours or temporary closures without government funding.
Travelers are urged to confirm opening hours in advance and prepare alternate plans if attractions are closed. While most UK-US flights and private tourist services remain unaffected, experts recommend maintaining flexibility in travel arrangements during this period of uncertainty.
The current government shutdown in the US stems from a deadlock in Congress over budget allocations. Republican lawmakers aligned with President Donald Trump have blocked funding proposals seeking reductions in public services, while Democrats oppose these measures, citing potential harm to the economy and social welfare programs.
As a result, non-essential federal programs have been halted, and many government agencies are operating with limited capacity until a funding agreement is reached. Essential services such as national security and emergency response remain functional, but the impact is felt across various sectors due to the funding impasse.
