Bad news for Thanksgiving travelers: “Airports will be flooded with flight cancellations”

As the U.S. government shutdown extends into its third week, the aviation industry is facing significant disruptions, putting the American people on tenterhooks ahead of the Thanksgiving travel period.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports that staffing shortages among air traffic controllers are a primary contributor to widespread flight delays brought about by the government closure. Major airports are experiencing increased delays, with approximately 20 percent of flights by American Airlines and Southwest Airlines affected.

Despite being required to work without pay, around 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA officers continue their duties; reports say that the FAA still faces a deficit of about 3,500 controllers, many of whom had already been working mandatory overtime before the shutdown.

This ongoing chaos regarding worker shortages has raised concerns about air safety, with experts warning that the increased stress and financial insecurity among air traffic controllers could compromise the efficiency and safety of the nation’s air travel system.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association has criticised the political stalemate, stating that controllers have become “pawns” in the standoff between Democrats and Republicans. Many controllers, already facing a staffing shortage and mandatory overtime, are being forced to consider alternative employment options to make ends meet.

As well as the air traffic controller crisis, more than 50,000 TSA agents are also working without pay, further pushing airport operations to the limit.

The impact of the shutdown on air travel is expected to intensify as the Thanksgiving approaches, traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer warned of impending airport delays and flight cancellations if the shutdown continues.

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Others chose to avoid the problem altogether and simply attack the Democrats: Rep. Lisa McClain said that “as TSA agents and air traffic controllers show up without pay, Democrats brag they won’t budge until planes fall out of the sky.”

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