Tired and angry air traffic controllers in the US have issued a warning that passengers are being put at a heightened risk of plane crashes.
The Government shutdown, which Donald Trump blames on the Democrats, is affecting a slew of state-funded agencies.
But with as many as four million Britons flying stateside last year, hundreds of thousands of UK travellers could be affected.
More than 14,000 controllers employed by the Federal Aviation Administration will not be paid until the shutdown ends.
Those working in aviation have described how the ongoing situation is affecting their ability to prevent plane crashes.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
One controller in South Carolina told the New York Post: "The financial anxiety doesn't just hurt morale. it directly affects safety.
"When someone responsible for thousands of lives a day is worrying about whether they can pay rent or feed their kids, focus suffers.
"Sometimes that small moment where your mind is elsewhere can have serious impacts... Controllers were already underwater with pay and staffing before the shutdown. Now we're drowning."
More than 14,000 controllers employed by the Federal Aviation Administration will not be paid until the Government shutdown ends
|GETTY
In January, a collision between a plane and a helicopter which killed 67 people in Washington DC put the role of air traffic control into the spotlight.
Since then, there have been numerous near misses across America, including one involving Donald and Melania Trump aboard Air Force One, which have worried officials.
Another controller from California said: "The shutdown is affecting every single person travelling in the United States at this time.
"More stress equals more risk; that's just basic common sense."
US NEWS - READ MORE:
Plane passengers have been hit by lengthy delays as unpaid workers call in sick
|GETTY
Since the shutdown began on October 1, plane passengers have been hit by lengthy delays as unpaid workers called in sick.
Transport Secretary Sean Duffy revealed that some air traffic control towers have seen a 50 per cent decrease in staffing numbers.
Hollywood Burbank Airport outside Los Angeles had no air traffic controller for more than five hours on Monday due to staffing problems.
While on Tuesday, almost 300 planes at Nashville Airport were delayed to due to staff shortages.
Hollywood Burbank Airport outside Los Angeles had no air traffic controller for more than five hours on Monday
|GETTY
For those who are still going to work, overtime is becoming commonplace, so jobs which require constant concentration and quick decisions are being done while exhausted.
The controller from California said: "I've logged 185 hours overtime [this year]. Last year, I exceeded 400 hours, but the toll on my mental and physical health led me to scale back this year.
"What passengers often forget is that the person guiding their plane through the sky is human: underpaid, overworked, fatigued and carrying immense responsibility."
More From GB News