Quantcast

Potential US government shutdown raises concerns over holiday travel impacts

Air India Warned Over Crew Fatigue and Training Failures Following Fatal Crash
Heathrow Chief Defends £50–60 billion Third Runway Amid Rising Costs Debate
New UK airline with cheap US fares is ‘parked’ after just TWO flights – with people fearing it’s been scrapped for good
US carriers shamed in surprising new list of the world’s ‘cleanest’ airlines
Air Force Pilot Wasn't Alerted to Collision Course with Passenger Jet Before Scary Near Miss, Says Official
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy may deny flights from Mexico over broken aviation agreement
Plane Makes Emergency Landing After ‘Unruly’ Passenger Attempts to Open Exit Door Mid-Flight
American Airlines Launches Ultra‑Long‑Haul DFW–Manila Flights
Thousands of flights canceled or delayed across America's busiest airports
Summer flight delays to be 'worst ever' this year - what to do if affected
Emirates operates with SAF at London Heathrow Airport
British Airways Introduces Brunch Service on Long-Haul Flights
AirAsia FREE SEATS is BACK! - Book Cheap Flight now!
FAA Investigating After JetBlue Plane Skids Off Runway
Virgin Atlantic Offers Family-Friendly Holiday Packages
The Billion-Dollar Outlier That's Rescuing San Francisco Tourism
New Heathrow Security Rule Makes Packing Bags Easier for Travelers
Alaska Airlines Adding More Boeing 787 to Boost Seattle Hub
Ryanair cancels 170 flights, disrupts over 30,000 passengers on French ATC strike
What to Know About Travel to Europe During This Record-Breaking Heatwave
Airport Workers Save the Day After Woman Loses Diamond from Her Engagement Ring in Baggage Carousel
I never talk to strangers on the plane. After my dad died, a passenger helped me talk about my grief.
American Airlines reveals new summer route: Miami → Rome
Budget UK airline launches huge sale with £29 flights to 475 holiday hotspots – but you’ll have to be quick
Delta Passengers Can Book a ‘Last Mile’ Private Jet Charter to Europe This Summer
Honeywell Runway Safety Technology Selected by Southwest Airlines for Fleetwide Installation
Southwest Airlines Adds Cockpit Alerts to Boost Runway Safety
FAA Drone Detection Testing
This Airline Is Going to Start Handing Out $675 Fines to 'Unruly' Passengers: 'It Is Unacceptable'
Summer of savings? New analysis shows airfare has dropped significantly - The Points Guy
Potential US government shutdown raises concerns over holiday travel impacts
Research
Webp r50w15mrebstf1ofaqsexbv7njdo
Emily Thompson Credit cards editor | The Points Guy

Congress is once again facing a potential government shutdown as it scrambles to pass a spending bill before the short-term funding expires at 12:01 a.m. EST on December 21. If no action is taken, federal agencies will halt operations and most government workers will be furloughed, excluding those in essential services like the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Despite this looming shutdown coinciding with a busy holiday travel season, TSA administrator David Pekoske stated that "nearly all of its 62,000 employees are considered essential" and would continue working, albeit without pay until the shutdown ends. This could result in longer wait times at airports over the holidays due to possible absenteeism.

Air travelers are not expected to see major disruptions initially since both TSA and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees are deemed essential. However, labor shortages at the FAA might exacerbate issues such as flight cuts at major airports.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Reflecting on past shutdowns, increased absenteeism among air traffic controllers led to temporary closures and delays at several airports during the 2018-19 shutdown.

National parks may face closures or reduced services if the shutdown occurs due to staffing issues stemming from reliance on government funding. The National Park Service issued a contingency report stating that "the majority of National Park sites will be closed completely to public access" during a lapse in appropriations.

Museums like those under the Smithsonian Institution might remain open temporarily using reserve funds but could close if funds run out, similar to events during previous shutdowns.

Amtrak trains are anticipated to operate normally as they did in past shutdowns; however, prolonged disruptions could affect subsidies and operations eventually.

The U.S. State Department's passport processing is expected to continue as an essential service but may slow down due to potential office closures and unpaid staff leading to absenteeism.

Cruise operations and border crossings should remain unaffected by any potential government closure since customs, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Border Patrol are classified as essential services.

Geoff Freeman from the U.S. Travel Association warned that "a prolonged government shutdown threatens holiday travel disruptions that Americans won't tolerate," highlighting economic losses estimated at $140 million daily due to deferred projects and longer airport wait times impacting travel plans.

As Congress races against time for partial funding through March 2025, travelers should prepare for possible delays by allowing extra time for security checks if traveling this weekend or next week.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) has issued a statement on X, urging policymakers to prioritize the ongoing modernization of air traffic control (ATC) systems.

Jul 31, 2025

ITA Airways announced on X that it is extending the suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv through September 30, including the cancellation of flights AZ809 and AZ815 on October 1.

Jul 31, 2025

Emirates has announced on X its plans to launch daily flights from Dubai to Hangzhou, marking an expansion of its network in China.

Jul 31, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines has announced on X that it is now operating twice-daily flights from Juba, South Sudan, to India, enhancing connectivity for travelers.

Jul 31, 2025

Francesco Sciortino will join the Executive Board of Lufthansa Airlines as Hub Manager for Frankfurt starting September 1, 2025.

Jul 31, 2025

Eurowings reported stable performance for the first half of 2025, operating 77,000 flights and transporting over 10 million passengers.

Jul 31, 2025