Part 4/10:
The airline industry and air travel infrastructure are significantly affected by the shutdown. The FAA, air traffic control personnel, and TSA agents—all government workers—are operating without pay during this period, though they have received back pay for previous pay periods. The concern intensifies if the shutdown persists longer, potentially affecting safety and efficiency. Air traffic controllers and military personnel, who do not receive immediate pay during shutdowns, face mounting uncertainty. Yet, despite these hardships, many continue to work diligently, prioritizing public safety amid financial stress.