Table of Contents
- Government Shutdown Threatens Holiday Flights
- Air Traffic Controllers May Walk Off the Job
- Vance and Trump Team Sound the Alarm
- What Travelers Need to Know Now
- Past Shutdowns vs. 2025: Why This Is Different
- Sources
Government Shutdown Threatens Holiday Flights
With the federal government partially shut down since October 1, 2025, Trump administration officials are issuing dire warnings: if the impasse continues, the U.S. could face an “air travel disaster” just as millions prepare to fly for Thanksgiving and Christmas .
The core of the crisis? Air traffic controllers—classified as “essential” personnel—must continue working without pay during a shutdown. But unlike in past standoffs, many are now signaling they won’t stay on the job indefinitely, especially as rent, car payments, and grocery bills pile up.
Air Traffic Controllers May Walk Off the Job
According to internal FAA memos obtained by The New York Times, over 12% of air traffic controllers have already requested emergency leave or filed hardship appeals since the shutdown began . If current trends hold, staffing levels at major hubs like Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, and JFK could fall below safe operational thresholds by mid-November.
“You can’t run the national airspace on goodwill alone,” said Robert Johnson, a retired controller and union advisor. “These are highly trained professionals making split-second decisions. If they’re distracted by financial stress—or worse, start calling in sick en masse—the ripple effects will be immediate.”
Delays, cancellations, and ground stops could become routine, not just during peak travel days but throughout the holiday season.
Vance and Trump Team Sound the Alarm
Vice President J.D. Vance personally briefed President Trump this week on the escalating risk, calling the situation a “self-inflicted wound” that could “paralyze the economy right before Black Friday.”
“If Congress doesn’t act by November 10, we’re looking at cascading flight disruptions that could last through January,” a senior administration official told reporters on background. “This isn’t scare tactics—it’s math.”
Despite the warning, Republican leadership in the House has refused to pass a clean continuing resolution, demanding deep cuts to FAA staffing budgets as a condition for reopening the government.
What Travelers Need to Know Now
If you’re planning to fly this November or December, experts recommend:
- Book nonstop flights to reduce connection risks
- Avoid peak travel days (Nov. 27–28, Dec. 23–24)
- Sign up for airline alerts and travel insurance with “government shutdown” coverage
- Have backup plans—like trains or driving—for regional trips
Major carriers like Delta and American have not yet issued formal warnings, but internal contingency plans are reportedly being activated.
Past Shutdowns vs. 2025: Why This Is Different
During the 35-day shutdown in 2018–2019, air traffic controllers stayed on the job—but safety incidents rose, and the FAA was forced to cancel thousands of flights due to staffing shortages at key facilities.
Today’s situation is more precarious: controller attrition is already high due to pandemic-era retirements, and morale is at a historic low. Add in record passenger volumes—up 8% over 2019—and the system has little buffer left.
