The U.S. government shutdown began on October 1st, 2025, and, as of October 24th, has not ended. The shutdown is expected to impact travel domestically and internationally.
Orlando International Airport
Not only could this impact your trip to Disney World, but it could also impact travel almost anywhere within the United States if you’re flying. According to the Orlando Sentinel, TSA workers are ‘stretching every dollar’ as the shutdown continues, and it could cause major problems at the airport.
The ongoing government shutdown could lead to issues at the airport. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said, “I can’t guarantee you that your flight’s going to be on time. I can’t guarantee that your flight’s not going to be canceled. It’s going to depend on our air traffic controllers coming in to work every single day.”
MCO Airport
The concern that airport controllers won’t come to work derives from the lack of pay due to the government shutdown. TSA employees will miss their first full paycheck this weekend, and only received a partial paycheck earlier this month. The continued financial burden on these employees, as well as the upcoming holiday travel stress, has many concerned about airport travel.
TSA lines at MCO
A MCO, there haven’t been an overwhelming amount of delays or cancellations. On Friday, October 24th, there have been 25 delays and 3 cancellations, which isn’t out of the ordinary for the busy airport. The aviation authority has confirmed there are contingency plans in place if there is a dramatic decrease in TSA agents due to the lack of pay.
Orlando International Airport
It’s important to note that federal employees are legally prohibited from striking against the U.S. government. That being said, during the 35-day shutdown in 2019, roughly 10% of TSA workers called in sick, triple the normal rate. In fact, the idea of a “travel gridlock” is what put pressure on lawmakers to reach a deal in 2019 and reopen the government.
Orlando Sanford International Airport
Union leaders have shared that Transportation Security Administration workers at MCO are experiencing financial strains due to the continued shutdown. Some have even turned to food pantries or families to make ends meet, according to Candise Isla, executive vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 556.
MCO Airport Security
Isla continued to say this situation forces the airport to staff security checkpoints without paying the agents, as they are “juggling rent, bills, childcare, and car payments.” The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority held a food drive for airport staff who are working without pay to help ease their financial burdens as the shutdown continues. Isla also said that despite the financial issues, TSA workers are committed to their jobs and will continue to show up to work. “Their dedication to maintaining the safety and security of the traveling public has not wavered,” she said.
Orlando International Airport
They also shared that some travelers have tried to give food and other items directly to TSA workers, but donations need to be dropped off at specific sites at two local airports. October 24th, 2025, is the last day to donate and nonperishable items, and $10 gift cards from grocers like Publix, Walmart, or Target will be accepted from 9 AM to 2 PM at the Orlando International Airport’s Terminal C departures lane or the Orlando Executive Airport’s administration offices, on 365 Rickenbacker Drive.
Orlando Airport
While the shutdown hasn’t massively impacted flights or security time, be sure to stay up to date on the latest news regarding your flight. You can sign up for alerts directly from your airline, and some airports, like MCO, show an estimated security wait time on their websites. Be sure to keep following DFB for more news and updates.
Will the Government Shutdown Affect Your Disney World Trip? What We Know
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