As the U.S. government shutdown stretches deep into November, leading voices in America’s aviation industry are publicly calling on Democrats to end the standoff and reopen the government. In a unified message, representatives from major pilot unions, air traffic controllers, and airline associations urged Democratic senators to “say yes to that clean CR, get this thing back on track, and restore the confidence of the American public as we go into this very busy holiday season.”

The appeal came from groups including the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), the Allied Pilots Association (APA), and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), all warning that prolonged government closure could disrupt critical flight operations, delay maintenance oversight, and jeopardize public safety during the peak travel period. The message was clear: the shutdown must end — and the solution already exists in the form of the Republican-led “clean continuing resolution.”

The shutdown, now entering its second month, began in October after Senate Democrats repeatedly blocked a House-passed continuing resolution (CR) that would have funded the government through November 21. That measure — free of partisan riders or spending hikes — was designed to keep agencies operating while negotiations continued over broader budget reforms. Despite its simplicity, Democrats rejected the proposal, 13 separate times, demanding additional provisions to expand Affordable Care Act subsidies and maintain unrestrained spending on welfare programs such as SNAP.

Industry leaders warn that the Democrats’ refusal is already having real-world consequences. FAA certification delays, suspended safety training, and growing pressure on air traffic staff are compounding risks across the aviation network. The timing could not be worse, with Thanksgiving and Christmas travel expected to reach record highs this year.

“The American public expects reliability, safety, and order in our skies,” one pilot association spokesman said. “That starts with leadership — and it starts with Congress doing its job.”

Supporters of President Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson have echoed these concerns, framing the Democratic blockade as yet another example of political gamesmanship taking priority over national stability. The GOP’s proposal, they argue, represents the only responsible path forward — a straightforward plan that keeps government open without bowing to partisan demands or expanding Washington’s debt burden.

As the shutdown’s effects ripple across the economy, from federal workers to families planning holiday reunions, pressure is mounting on Democratic leaders to act. The aviation industry’s united front has added new urgency to the debate, reminding lawmakers that the costs of political posturing are now measured not just in dollars — but in public safety and trust.

In the words of one veteran controller: “It’s time to stop playing politics at 30,000 feet.”