
Thanksgiving air traffic could ‘slow to a trickle’ if shutdown persists, transport secretary says
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns that U.S. air traffic could slow significantly if the federal government shutdown continues into the Thanksgiving travel season. The Federal Aviation Administration has already ordered flight cuts at major airports. Some air traffic controllers, who have gone unpaid for nearly a month, have stopped working. Reductions began Friday at 4% and could reach 10% by November 14. On Sunday, 1,375 flights were canceled. Duffy suggests further cuts might be needed, possibly up to 20%. He emphasizes the need for action to keep people safe amid an overtaxed system.