# How to End Aviation Shutdown Chaos 

The longest government shutdown in history is grounding flights as some unpaid air traffic controllers and TSA screeners stay home.

November 5, 2025 • News Releases 

The longest government shutdown in history is grounding flights as some unpaid air traffic controllers and TSA screeners stay home. Essential aviation services remain trapped in Washington’s budget dysfunction.

Cato scholar [Chris Edwards](https://www.cato.org/people/chris-edwards) offers [a solution](https://www.cato.org/blog/air-traffic-control-or-chaos): separate air traffic control and airport screening from the federal budget.

Moving ATC into a self-funded organization would provide funding stability regardless of political battles. Privatization based on the Canadian model would encourage innovation and end the chaos that occurs whenever budget negotiations fail. Similarly, devolving screening to airport control would save travelers from DC dysfunction.

Americans need an aviation system insulated from political gridlock.

If you’d like to speak with Edwards, please reach out to Madison: [mmiller@​cato.​org](mailto:mmiller@cato.org).

Other Shutdown Resources:

- [What a Long Shutdown It’s Been](https://www.cato.org/multimedia/cato-podcast/what-long-shutdown-its-been)
- [Food Stamp Shutdown Reveals the Fragility of Federal Welfare](https://www.cato.org/blog/food-stamp-shutdown-reveals-fragility-federal-welfare)
- [The Folly of Letting the Executive Control Spending](https://www.cato.org/blog/folly-letting-executive-control-spending)
- [End Obamacare’s Welfare for the Wealthy COVID Credits](https://www.cato.org/blog/end-obamacares-welfare-wealthy-covid-credits)
- [Obamacare & the Government “Shutdown”](https://www.cato.org/blog/podcast-obamacare-government-shutdown)
- [Democrats’ Latest Shutdown Stunt Exposes the Obamacare Fraud](https://www.cato.org/commentary/democrats-latest-shutdown-stunt-exposes-obamacare-fraud)