• Air travel in the US could "slow to a trickle" amid ongoing government shutdown.
• More than 3,200 flights canceled and over 10,000 delayed as staffing shortages rise.
• Transportation Secretary warns of significant disruptions leading up to Thanksgiving.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that U.S. air travel could "slow to a trickle" as the government shutdown stretches into the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, a critical travel period for millions. The shutdown has now reached its 40th day, and the situation is exacerbated by staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, many of whom are working without pay since October 1. Duffy emphasized that "it's only going to get worse," predicting substantial flight cancellations if the standoff continues, according to Indiatimes and South China Morning Post.

In response to rising staffing issues, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated airlines begin reducing flights, which started at 4 percent but is expected to rise to 10 percent by mid-November. This cut affects 40 major airports, amplifying chaos across flight schedules. Already, over 3,200 flights were canceled, while delays affected more than 10,000 travelers on a recent Sunday, marking one of the worst days for air travel since the shutdown began, as detailed by Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

This disruption comes as air traffic controllers increasingly choose to leave their jobs, contributing to shortages that threaten to escalate further if the shutdown continues. Duffy noted, “Many people are not going to be able to get on an airplane,” highlighting that travel for the critical Thanksgiving weekend may be substantially impacted. The economic ripple effects could also include negative growth as major travel periods approach, according to The Hill and Indiatimes.

As the government remains in deadlock over a funding resolution, air traffic controllers report rising absenteeism, with many calling in sick or retiring early due to the continuous strain of working without compensation. This situation has raised safety concerns among both airline officials and the FAA, underlining the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing shutdown, as outlined in reports from BBC and ABC News.