WASHINGTON, D.C. — Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Sunday that the ongoing government shutdown could cause a “substantial” number of Americans to miss their Thanksgiving travel plans, as the nation’s air travel system struggles under mounting pressure.
Thousands of flights have already been canceled or delayed as air traffic controllers, who have now gone over a month without pay, are increasingly unable to report for work.
Air Travel Faces Mounting Disruptions
In an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union”, Duffy said that the shutdown’s impact on U.S. aviation is growing severe — and that millions of Americans could face significant travel disruptions over the Thanksgiving holiday.
“Virtually none of [the controllers] can miss two paychecks,” Duffy said. “They’re going to be confronted with the idea of getting a side job or a second job to make ends meet.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has already grounded or reduced capacity for thousands of flights across the country due to staff shortages.
Airlines Struggle to Keep Up
According to Cirium, an aviation analytics firm, 6.5% of scheduled flights for November 8 were canceled, and nearly 72% were delayed. Those figures are expected to rise sharply if the political stalemate continues.
Airlines are not legally required to compensate passengers for flight disruptions caused by factors beyond their control — including air traffic control shortages resulting from the shutdown.
However, if a flight is canceled, airlines are required to issue full cash refunds, even for nonrefundable tickets.
FAA Fatigue Deepens During Shutdown
The government shutdown — now in its second month — has placed enormous strain on the FAA. Air traffic controllers are classified as essential workers, meaning they must continue working without pay.
Duffy noted that while some controllers managed to withstand the first missed paycheck, many are now facing financial hardship.
To help, airline pilots and flight attendants have reportedly been sending free meals to air traffic controllers at airports nationwide.
What Travelers Can Do
If you’re planning to fly for Thanksgiving, experts recommend preparing backup travel plans in case of flight disruptions.
Here’s what to know:
- Check your airline’s app first: Rebooking through the app or website is often faster than waiting in line at the gate.
- Monitor FAA updates: The FAA’s National Airspace System Status site shows active airport disruptions.
- Consider travel insurance: Many major credit cards include trip protection or delay coverage that can help offset unexpected costs.
- Ask about vouchers: Some airlines may offer meal or hotel vouchers for long delays or overnight cancellations.
FlightAware’s interactive “Misery Map” continues to track real-time delays and cancellations at 17 major U.S. airports, offering travelers a clearer picture of where disruptions are occurring.
Looking Ahead
As the political stalemate in Washington drags on, Duffy said he remains hopeful for a resolution — but warned that travel could “slow to a trickle” if the shutdown continues into mid-November.
“If this isn’t resolved soon,” Duffy said, “there will be a substantial number of Americans who simply won’t make it home for the holidays.”
