The US government has reached a major milestone of dysfunction as Congress has allowed a federal shutdown to drag into its 36th day — the longest in history — amid a stalemate over health-care and spending priorities.

With air traffic controllers working without pay, more than 5,000 flights were delayed nationwide over the weekend, including hundreds at San Francisco International Airport.

Controllers have urged air passengers to contact their representatives to end the shutdown. The transportation secretary also warned of consequences for travel, though he said the system remained safe.

Ongoing shutdown threatens to cripple LAX ahead of Thanksgiving, with warnings of delays, cancellations, and possible airspace closures.

In June 2025, Vermont-based BETA Technologies completed the first-ever North American passenger flight of an electric-powered plane with its ALIA aircraft. The sleek vessel seats five and is designed to be able to take off both vertically — like a helicopter — and horizontally — like a plane.

Clearing customs before getting on an international flight makes it easier and more efficient to arrive in the U.S. Here's how it works.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy predicted that there could be chaos in the skies next week if the government shutdown drags on and air traffic controllers miss a second paycheck.