A shutdown of the US government has begun to disrupt travel plans for Australian holidaymakers. This development follows the Senate’s rejection of short-term funding measures that would have continued government operations until November 21. According to political expert Simon Jackman, travelers can expect longer lines at airports and potential closures of popular tourist attractions, including museums.
This shutdown marks the first such event in six years and the fifteenth since 1981. The last government shutdown occurred between December 2018 and January 2019 during the presidency of Donald Trump. Jackman, who appeared on the Sunrise program, cautioned that travelers should prepare for delays. “Lines in airports might be longer,” he stated, adding, “Some of the museums that you want to see might take longer to get into this week and the week after.”
With federal employees furloughed, the impact on services will be significant. Jackman highlighted the potential for delays in business operations involving the United States. “Many civilian employees at the Department of Defense are likely affected, and critical economic statistics will also be delayed,” he explained. This uncertainty could have broader implications, especially as tariffs on US goods begin to take effect.
The impasse over funding has been driven primarily by disagreements regarding healthcare benefits. Democrats are pushing to extend subsidies to help individuals purchase health insurance, while Republicans seek to reduce these benefits. Jackman noted, “Democrats have picked healthcare as the issue to fight on, and we’re currently at a deadlock.”
Impact on Travel and Tourism
Despite the shutdown, flights will continue, but travelers should brace for possible delays and cancellations. Employees of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and air traffic controllers, deemed essential workers, will remain on the job. However, they will be working without pay during the shutdown. According to plans released by the Transportation Department in March, over 13,000 air traffic controllers will continue to operate under these conditions. Past shutdowns have seen staffing shortages lead to significant delays and longer security lines, as experienced during the January 2019 shutdown when many controllers called in sick.
The shutdown may also hinder the US government’s efforts to improve its air traffic control system. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy indicated that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) successfully met its hiring goals for Fiscal Year 2025 by bringing in over 2,000 new controllers. However, the training of these new hires will likely be delayed due to the shutdown.
Amtrak services will remain operational, according to spokesperson Beth K. Toll, who assured travelers that services in the Northeast Corridor and across the country would continue as scheduled. Amtrak operates as an independent agency and is less affected by the shutdown.
National Parks and Museums at Risk
Australian tourists planning to visit US national parks may face significant disruptions. The National Park Service has indicated that many popular sites could close, including the Grand Canyon, which attracted 4.9 million visitors in 2024. The National Parks Conservation Association has estimated that the shutdown could result in the closure of approximately 433 park sites across the country, with visitors potentially experiencing closed gates or a lack of services.
Theresa Pierno, president of the National Parks Conservation Association, emphasized the critical nature of the situation. “Our national parks are already in crisis,” she stated. “A shutdown would furlough thousands of staff and drain millions in revenue from communities reliant on park tourism.”
Visitors to some of the most frequented museums, including the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, may also face closures. The Smithsonian announced that its facilities would remain open until at least October 6 using previously allocated funds. The organization oversees 21 museums and the National Zoo, primarily located in Washington, DC.
There is uncertainty regarding the status of iconic sites such as the Statue of Liberty, which is managed by the National Park Service. Although they have not confirmed closures, officials advise visitors to check the website for updates.
Regarding consular services, a spokesperson for the State Department reassured that operations, including passports and visas, would continue as usual. Previous shutdowns have shown that US embassies and consulates are not primarily funded through annual appropriations, allowing them to maintain operations during such crises.
As this government shutdown continues, Australian travelers should closely monitor updates regarding their travel plans, as the situation evolves.
