Thanksgiving Flights Face Turbulence as Government Shutdown Ends

The longest US government shutdown in history ended on November 12. President Donald Trump signed a bill to reopen federal operations. This closure caused major disruptions for air travelers nationwide.Many now worry if flight schedules will recover in time for the busy Thanksgiving holiday. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has provided a crucial update on the situation.

Recovery Timeline for Air Travel

According to CNN, travel analysts warn recovery could take up to a week. Staffing shortages were a primary cause of the disruption. Many air traffic controllers stopped working after missing paychecks.The Federal Aviation Administration issued an emergency order. It mandated incremental flight reductions of up to 10%. This affected 40 major airports across the country.The Department of Transportation has since paused further cuts. Flight reductions are now frozen at 6%. This freeze will remain until the FAA deems it safe to resume normal operations.

Officials Express Cautious Optimism for Holiday Travel

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy struck a hopeful note on Tuesday. He stated flights could normalize by the Thanksgiving holiday. His statement acknowledged the recent surge in controller staffing.Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian echoed this sentiment in a CNBC interview. He confidently said, “Thanksgiving will be fine.” This reassurance is vital for millions planning holiday travel.However, Airlines for America President Chris Sununu offered a more measured perspective. He noted airlines cannot immediately flip a switch. He expects residual effects from the shutdown to linger for several days.

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The nation’s air travel system is on a path to stabilization. The coming days are critical for ensuring smooth Thanksgiving flights for all passengers.

Thought you’d like to know

When did the government shutdown end?

The shutdown ended on Wednesday, November 12. President Donald Trump signed a bill to reopen the government on that date. This concluded the longest shutdown in US history.

What caused the flight disruptions?

Disruptions were caused by air traffic controller staffing shortages. Many controllers stopped showing up for work after not receiving pay. This led the FAA to order reductions in flight schedules.

Are flight schedules back to normal now?

No, flight operations have not fully returned to normal. The FAA has paused its reduction schedule at a 6% cut. A full return to pre-shutdown levels will be a gradual process.

How many travelers are expected for Thanksgiving?

The airline industry is preparing for a record 31 million passengers. This forecast comes from the trade group Airlines for America. The holiday period is traditionally one of the busiest for travel.

Could disruptions continue into the holiday?

Travel expert Katy Nastro says some disruption is possible. It depends on how quickly the air traffic control workforce stabilizes. However, she does not expect disruptions to be as severe as during the shutdown.