Trump administration officials are warning that air traffic could be drastically reduced at up to 40 major airports if the government shutdown continues into next week, raising fears of nationwide travel chaos ahead of the busy holiday season. The plan, which sources say is being developed by the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration, would scale back flights to conserve funding and staffing amid growing pressure on air traffic controllers and safety personnel who have been working without pay.
Several airports in major hubs, including Atlanta, Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, are expected to face significant slowdowns or partial closures. Critics have blasted the move as reckless and politically motivated, arguing it would punish travelers and cripple the economy. The White House insists the measure is temporary and necessary to “maintain safety and order,” but industry leaders warn the impact could be severe, with airlines forced to cancel hundreds of flights daily and millions of passengers stranded.
We asked Briand Crawford, Ceo of TravelStore, for his take:
The current flight reductions are a direct result of FAA-mandated schedule adjustments due to the government shutdown and associated operational constraints. Our airline partners, including Delta, have maintained consistent communication with us and are bolstering their internal support teams. Most carriers are expected to provide increased flexibility to passengers during this period, enabling changes, cancellations, or refunds without penalties in most cases.
At TravelStore, we are diligently monitoring carrier advisories and same-day operations to promptly address any changes. If a client’s flight is impacted, we will prioritize clear communication and collaboration to offer alternatives that meet their needs. Additionally, we are waiving our service fees for inquiries related to flights affected by the FAA mandate and will apply available airline waivers to minimize costs and disruptions.
What do you think the impact will be? What do you recommend travelers do?
As we approach the initial weekend of flight reductions, we are optimistic that the effects will be minimal. However, we anticipate that the impact will increase significantly throughout the coming week. We strongly encourage all travelers to verify that their contact information with us and the airlines is up to date. Additionally, we recommend utilizing airline mobile apps and enabling notifications to stay informed.
When arranging new travel or modifying existing plans, consider opting for earlier departures to accommodate any potential delays and ensure sufficient connection time. If you are notified that your flight has been affected, please promptly contact your Travel Advisor for the quickest assistance. Alternatively, you may reach out to the airline directly, though please be prepared for potentially long hold times.”