The ongoing government shutdown is significantly impacting air travel in the United States, raising concerns about potential delays during the busy Thanksgiving period. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has indicated that staffing shortages among air traffic controllers are likely to worsen, affecting millions of travelers who depend on federal services.
As the shutdown continues, many air traffic controllers are working without pay. Duffy warned that flight disruptions are expected to escalate if the situation is not resolved soon. Last year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported a record of 232,000 flights from November 24 through November 28, 2024, with over 12 million travelers passing through TSA checkpoints. This year, the prospect of similar traffic is overshadowed by the current crisis in federal operations.
The effects of the shutdown are already being felt across the country. Airports in cities such as Boston, Phoenix, San Francisco, Nashville, Houston, Dallas, and the Washington, D.C. area are experiencing delays attributed to staffing shortages. Major airports serving the New York City area, including John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport, have reported average delays of around two hours.
During a recent press briefing, Duffy expressed concern about the increasing strain on air traffic controllers, who are already working mandatory overtime six days a week. “Every day there’s going to be more challenges,” he noted after a meeting with industry leaders at the White House. This situation raises alarms for travelers who could face lengthy security lines and flight delays.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has joined the discussion, emphasizing the challenges posed by understaffing. President Nick Daniels highlighted the potential for operational setbacks, stating that while most major U.S. airports maintained strong on-time performance in October, the ongoing shutdown complicates matters.
As the shutdown approaches a historic length with no resolution in sight, federal workers, including air traffic controllers, continue to face uncertainty over their paychecks. The impact of this deadlock extends beyond just air travel; millions of Americans who rely on federal food aid and healthcare benefits are at risk as well.
In a recent interview, Vice President JD Vance posed a critical question regarding the potential for airport security lines to grow from one hour to four hours, reflecting the escalating concerns over travel logistics.
While the situation remains fluid, the possibility of extended delays looms as negotiations between political leaders show little sign of progress. Senate Democrats have voted multiple times against reopening the government unless negotiations take place with the opposing party, further complicating potential solutions.
The future of Thanksgiving travel now hangs in balance as millions prepare to traverse the skies, hoping that a resolution will come before the holiday rush begins. With federal services strained and negotiations stalled, air travel could be significantly affected unless immediate action is taken.
The information in this article is derived from a combination of federal data, official statements, and media reporting. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
