Pilots demand end to government shutdown
The government shutdown is making air travel riskier, according to pilot union ALPA.
The shutdown is threatening the security and safety of millions who fly from American airports, the union said in a letter to President Donald Trump, calling for a swift resolution.
It urges Trump to ‘take the necessary steps to immediately end the shutdown of government agencies that is adversely affecting the safety, security, and efficiency of our national airspace system,’ Captain Joe DePete, president of ALPA, wrote.
ALPA represents more than 60,000 pilots working at several airlines including Delta, JetBlue and United.
The Union fears a shortage of working inspectors and FAA regulatory officers could affect safety.
TSA security officers are working without pay and there are reports of hundreds of TSA officers not showing up for work.
"They are dutifully providing safety of life services while facing increasingly difficult financial pressures to provide for those dependent on their paycheck," said DePete.
"There are also airline and aircraft manufacturing oversight activities that either stop or are significantly reduced," he added.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association also said it is extremely concerned over pressures put on air traffic controllers who are understaffed and currently working unpaid.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026