Thanksgiving Travel Chaos Looms as Government Shutdown Grounds Flights

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a stark warning to American travelers. He stated that air travel could slow to a “trickle” just before the Thanksgiving holiday. This is due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The crisis stems from critical staffing shortages among air traffic controllers. These essential workers have been furloughed without pay for weeks. The situation is escalating daily.

Thanksgiving Travel Chaos Explained

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has already taken action. It ordered airlines to reduce flights by 4% at 40 major airports last Friday. This mandate is set to intensify rapidly.

Flight reductions will climb to 6% by this Tuesday. They are scheduled to hit 10% by November 14th. This places the busy Thanksgiving travel period directly in the crosshairs. Secretary Duffy told CNN the trend is getting worse.

He reported 81 staffing triggers for air traffic controllers recently. More controllers are not reporting to work as the shutdown continues. The travel disruption is expected to worsen significantly.

Political Standoff Deepens Crisis

The government shutdown has now reached a record 40 days. According to reports from Reuters, the political impasse shows no signs of breaking. The core dispute involves healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.

Democratic leaders are pushing for an extension of these subsidies. Republicans have rejected that offer. A small group of moderates is trying to forge a compromise.

Secretary Duffy placed the blame squarely on Democrats. He stated that Republicans have voted 14 times to open the government. He claimed only one side is keeping it shut. President Trump has also shown little willingness to compromise on the issue.

The coming days are critical for millions of Americans hoping to reunite with family. The Thanksgiving travel chaos threatens to strand a substantial number of people. A political resolution is needed immediately to avert a national travel disaster.

Thought you’d like to know-

Why are flights being reduced?

The FAA is reducing flights due to safety concerns. There are not enough air traffic controllers reporting for work. This is a direct result of the government shutdown and furloughs.

How many airports are affected?

Flight reductions are currently in effect at 40 major US airports. This includes the nation’s busiest travel hubs. The list encompasses airports across the country.

What did the Transportation Secretary say?

Sean Duffy said air travel will be “reduced to a trickle” before Thanksgiving. He warned the number of people unable to travel will be “substantial.” He blamed the situation on the ongoing political stalemate.

How long has the government been shut down?

The US government shutdown has lasted 40 days. This makes it the longest federal shutdown in American history. It began over a dispute regarding healthcare subsidies.

What is being done to resolve the shutdown?

A group of moderate Democrats is proposing a compromise. It would end the shutdown in exchange for a later vote on healthcare subsidies. The proposal’s chances of success remain unclear.