The U.S. government's ongoing shutdown could lead to unprecedented measures affecting air travel. According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the Department of Transportation may be forced to close certain parts of the airspace if the shutdown persists into next week. This could result in significant disruptions, including mass flight delays and cancellations, as the agency struggles to manage air traffic without sufficient staff, particularly air traffic controllers. Duffy emphasizes the potential impact on passengers, highlighting the financial strain on air traffic controllers who are working without pay and facing mounting personal challenges. The situation is particularly concerning given the interconnectivity of the U.S. aviation system, where a closure in one area could affect travel nationwide. The U.S. Travel Association has urged congressional leaders to end the shutdown, warning that it could disrupt travel plans during the busy Thanksgiving holiday, which typically sees 20 million passengers take to the skies. The industry group emphasizes the strain on federal personnel, including air traffic controllers, who are essential for maintaining safe and efficient air travel.
