The ongoing U.S. government shutdown is now casting a shadow over the aviation industry, with significant implications for Caribbean tourism. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated a reduction in operations at 40 major airports, including critical hubs like Miami, Atlanta, and New York. These airports serve as vital gateways for travelers heading to popular Caribbean destinations such as Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, and Barbados. Air traffic controllers, who are currently working without pay, are bearing the brunt of the shutdown. Airlines have begun cutting short-haul domestic routes that facilitate connections to international flights. The FAA has announced plans to gradually decrease flight capacity by up to 10 percent over the coming week. According to aviation data firm Cirium, approximately 780 flights—3 percent of the 25,000 scheduled departures on Friday—were canceled. However, most affected passengers were rebooked on alternative flights. This disruption underscores the broader economic and operational challenges posed by the government shutdown, particularly for sectors reliant on seamless air travel.