• US government shutdown leads to major flight delays and cancellations.
• Air traffic controllers report fatigue and increased absences while working without pay.
• Thanksgiving travel at risk with a potential surge in passenger numbers.
• Transportation officials emphasize that safety will not be compromised despite delays.
• Travel organizations urge Congress to resolve the funding impasse to restore normalcy.

As the US government shutdown extends into its second month, air travel is experiencing profound disruptions, with over 3.2 million passengers affected by flight delays and cancellations. Major airports across the country have reported significant delays, with New Jersey's Newark Airport seeing waits of up to three hours as airlines grapple with unprecedented staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay since October 1. This shutdown is on track to become the longest in US history, surpassing the 35-day shutdown of 2018-2019, according to Indiatimes and CBS News.

Experts warn that as staffing dilemmas persist, further delays are imminent, particularly as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches. With a record number of Americans expected to travel, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged that current conditions are “just significant delays” but reassured travelers that safety remains the top priority, stating, “If we thought that it was unsafe, we’ll shut the whole airspace down,” emphasizing the need to maintain operational safety amid staffing shortages, according to Al Jazeera and Indiatimes.

Over the recent weekend alone, more than 16,700 flights were delayed, with 2,282 cancellations reported, casting further uncertainty on holiday travel plans. The FAA noted that critical facilities, such as those in the New York area, were overwhelmed with staffing shortages reaching as high as 80 percent. Meanwhile, the US Travel Association has urged Congress to swiftly act to reopen the government, citing growing concerns over the long-term impact on traveler confidence and safety standards, as highlighted in reports from CBS News and Al Jazeera.

As the situation evolves, air travel organizations are indicating that continued delays could lead to a substantial reevaluation of travel plans among Americans, especially if the shutdown persists. With many travelers opting to reconsider their transportation methods, recommendations have surfaced suggesting early morning flights to mitigate wait times, as the Transportation Secretary reiterated active measures to ensure system safety amidst the challenges, according to Indiatimes and CBS News.