The Las Vegas F1 Grand Prix will still go on as planned, but the government shutdown may cause problems for those traveling to the event. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
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The longest U.S. government shutdown in history has created travel havoc as flight cancellations and delays have hit 40 airports across the country. With the Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix next week, that could dampen attendance.
While the Senate passed a continuing resolution to reopen the government, the ability to fully fund it must now pass the House before heading to the White House to be signed. House Speaker Mike Johnson has said that he plans to call a vote on Wednesday, meaning the earliest President Trump may sign the measure would be late that evening or early Thursday morning.
While the government may see funds begin to flow again, don’t expect travel headaches to disappear.
According to Airlines for America (A4A), the trade association for the leading U.S. airlines, both passenger and cargo carriers, staffing issues disrupted 5.2 million airline passengers A4A tracks from Oct. 1 through Nov. 9. Analysis of FAA delay data shows that controller staffing issues contributed to 61% of National Airspace System (NAS) delay minutes from Nov. 7-9—up from 47% in the first six days of November, 16% in October and 5% in the first nine months of 2025.
In a statement on Monday, A4A noted that while they commended the Senate for voting to open the government, delays and cancellations would likely continue.
“Airlines’ reduced flight schedules cannot immediately bounce back to full capacity right after the government reopens, said Airlines for America. “It will take time, and there will be residual effects for days. With the Thanksgiving travel period beginning next week and the busy shipping season around the corner, the time to act is now to help mitigate any further impacts to Americans.”
For Formula 1, the Las Vegas Grand Prix race week begins with Practice Sessions 1 and 2 on November 20, qualifying on November 21, and the race on the evening of Saturday, November 22 (8 pm local start time).
Staffing issues at Las Vegas’ Harry Reid airport have already caused cancellations and delays. At midafternoon on Monday, there were 65 cancellations and 424 delays at Harry Reid. Of those, 27 cancellations and 216 delays occurred on Southwest Airlines, which is Las Vegas’ busiest commercial airline.
While last-minute travel plans may be hit, it’s possible that fans who have already purchased airline and hotel accommodations may soldier on through the pains but still attempt to make the race. According to Mark Wang, CEO of Hilton Grand Vacation, the Elera Hotel, which sits just ahead of the start/finish area and hosts a luxury suite package of $3,000 for the three-day race weekend, has all 1,600 of its rooms sold out.
“We have strong demand for this year’s race.”
