United Airlines CEO warns of shutdown impact on airline industry

Published 16/10/2025, 20:18
© Reuters

Investing.com -- United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby cautioned Thursday that the ongoing government shutdown could negatively affect airline bookings and flight operations if it continues.

The shutdown has now stretched into its third week amid a political stalemate over government funding, worsening an existing shortage of air traffic controllers and causing occasional slowdowns in air traffic in some cities.

More than 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers recently received partial paychecks and will not be paid later this month unless the funding dispute is resolved.

The CEO warned that as the shutdown continues, public confidence in the government’s ability to end the standoff could deteriorate, potentially affecting travel bookings.

"I hope our politicians will figure out how to get in a room, compromise, and get something done," Kirby told analysts during an earnings call.

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