From Airports to National Parks: How the 2025 Government Shutdown Could Impact Your Travel

Washington DC is both the epicenter of the shutdown, and a normally busy tourist destination. Image by Tom Fisk.

Government shutdowns ripple far beyond Washington, D.C., affecting industries you might not immediately connect with federal oversight- like travel. With the 2025 government shutdown now underway, millions of Americans planning fall and holiday trips face potential disruptions affecting everything from family vacations and school trips to business travel.

Airports and Flights

TSA officers, air traffic controllers, and other essential workers will continue to report for duty- but without pay. While flights will technically continue, morale and staffing pressures could take a toll. “With a government shutdown, TSA and air traffic controllers will still work because they're considered essential workers, but because they'll go unpaid, there may be longer lines, delays, and flight cancellations,” explains Sarah Silbert, Managing Editor at Points Path.

History shows the risks are real. During the 34-day shutdown of 2018–2019, roughly 10% of TSA officers called in sick, causing major delays at airports nationwide. The FAA also pauses non-essential activities like safety certifications and inspections, while hiring and training of new air traffic controllers comes to a halt. With the U.S. already short 2,800 controllers, these effects can linger long after funding is restored, creating ripple effects for airlines, passengers, and overall aviation safety.

National Parks and Campgrounds

Moab, Utah. Image by Chris Janda.

America’s national parks, a major driver of local economies, are especially vulnerable during a government shutdown. Under the Interior Department’s National Park Service Contingency Plan, parks will remain partially open, but roughly two-thirds of National Park Service staff (about 9,296 employees) will be furloughed. Open-air areas remain accessible, but visitor centers and other staffed facilities will be closed, and services like trash collection, campground operations, and road maintenance will continue at reduced capacity.

Reduced staffing and limited services can affect visitors and the towns and businesses that rely on park tourism. Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks- Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion- generated $3.1 billion for the state economy in 2024. Even short-term disruptions can ripple through hotels, restaurants, and tour operators in these gateway communities.

Past shutdowns demonstrate the risks: during the 2018–2019 shutdown, parks remained partially open under the Trump administration’s plan, but limited staffing led to vandalism, uncollected trash, and damaged habitats. “For travelers planning a trip to National Parks or public campgrounds, we would advise staying informed and being prepared for any potential changes,” says Martijn Scheijbeler, CMO of RVshare.

In other states, closures could affect seasonal destinations, such as New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest, or iconic landmarks like the Grand Canyon, depending on whether state funding steps in to cover operations. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has already said she won't allocate state funds to keep the Grand Canyon open.

Smithsonian Castle, Washington, DC. Image by David Hou.

Museums and Cultural Institutions

Washington, D.C., the epicenter of the government shutdown and battle over the budget, is another focal point for tourism that will be affected by a government shutdown. The Smithsonian Institution which includes museums, research centers, and the National Zoo- relies on federal funding for 62% of its operations. According to the Smithsonian, it will remain open through at least Monday, Oct. 6, using prior-year funds, with updates posted on its website. While visitors may still access exhibits, any extended shutdown could limit staffing, programming, and services, creating ripple effects for the city’s tourism-dependent businesses.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance could be critical for mitigating disruptions. “If a government shutdown results in airline or airport disruptions that impact your trip, it can trigger trip delay, trip cancellation, or trip interruption coverage benefits,” says Jeff Rolander, VP of Claims at Faye Travel Insurance. Non-refundable flights, hotels, prepaid tours, and change fees could be reimbursed if services are interrupted for six or more hours.

Rail and Passport Services

Not all transportation is immediately affected. Amtrak will continue operating in the short term due to funding reserves, though prolonged shutdowns could eventually impact service. Passport services are considered essential and are expected to remain open, providing relief to travelers planning international trips. However, there could be delays in processing.

The Economic Stakes for the Industry

Shutdowns don’t just inconvenience travelers- they’re costly. The U.S. Travel Association estimates the economy could lose $1 billion per week, affecting airlines, hotels, tour operators, restaurants, and small businesses in tourism-dependent communities. The combined impact on staffing, delayed flights, and closed attractions creates a chain reaction that extends well beyond federal workers themselves.

Planning Ahead Amid Uncertainty

While a short shutdown may cause minor delays, a prolonged impasse could reshape travel plans nationwide, strain federal workers, and leave lasting impacts on aviation safety, staffing, and local economies. Travelers can best navigate this uncertainty by staying informed, remaining flexible, and hoping this shutdown remains a brief impasse—not something that stretches into the busy holiday season.

Christianne Klein is an Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning TV Host, journalist, travel and lifestyle expert, and founder of FoodFamilyTravel.com.

For more tips, trends, and inspiration, be sure to follow FoodFamilyTravel.com on social

Instagram: @food.family.travel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoodFamilyTravelcom/

Tiktok: @FoodFamilyTravel