The ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown, now in its second week, is rippling through critical services—from disease monitoring to flight operations—raising fresh concerns for global travellers, health experts, and business leaders alike.
CDC Layoffs Amid Health Crises
On Saturday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed it laid off about 130 core staff from its infectious disease team. The cuts come as measles cases surge to levels not seen since 1992, flu-season deaths climb sharply, and whooping cough approaches historic peaks for the second year running.
Air Traffic Staff Shortages
Across three Federal Aviation Administration air traffic control centers, staffing gaps led to operational hiccups. According to China Media Group, New York controllers warned of delays at 2:00 p.m. local time, Atlanta faced shortages between 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and Albuquerque operated with reduced teams from 6:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.
Some flights are being rerouted, others slowed for safety. Controllers and TSA officers remain on duty without pay, amplifying strain on travel schedules for thousands of passengers daily.
Military Pay Order
President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social that he has directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to "use all available funds" to ensure troops receive pay on October 15, despite the shutdown.
Wider Federal Layoffs and Political Standstill
As layoffs loom across the Department of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, and Treasury, the American Federation of Government Employees slammed the administration's move, calling it "disgraceful" to use the shutdown to "illegally" fire workers who deliver essential services.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate remains deadlocked. Democrats and Republicans failed to agree on a temporary funding measure, prolonging the stalemate and leaving many civil servants either furloughed or working unpaid.
With no clear end in sight, the shutdown's reach extends beyond Washington D.C., affecting global health preparedness and complicating travel plans worldwide.
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Health, flight services hit as U.S. government shutdown drags on
cgtn.com
