Aviation industry groups are intensifying pressure on US lawmakers to resolve the four-week government shutdown as unpaid air traffic controllers face financial hardship and flight safety concerns mount.

Staffing shortages for air traffic controllers accounted for about 5% of flight delays before the shutdown. It now accounts for about 53% of delays.

The government shutdown has entered its fourth week, meaning essential federal workers are still working without pay. That includes FAA and TSA employees. The Tri-Cities Airport is looking to help employees impacted by the shutdown.

Palm Beach officials are pushing back against a new federal no-fly zone over Mar-a-Lago that has residents complaining about constant aircraft noise, even when President Donald Trump isn't home.

Roughly one million federal employees are estimated to be going without pay during the shutdown. Now, many are expecting to miss the first full paycheck since the shutdown began.

Drone flights would be forbidden over outdoor public gatherings and above 400 feet (122 metres) in most cases. Operators would have to buy drones capable of flying without visual supervision, but, as long as it met spec, each drone leaving a production line would need only testing, not a federal airworthiness certification.

After many federal employees missed paychecks, AFGE called for a “clean” continuing resolution. The financial issues are compounded by other recent changes too.

The federal government shutdown, now in its 25th day, is significantly impacting air travel. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported staffing shortag