The suspension of the U.S. government risks disrupting Thanksgiving Day travel, with hundreds of flights potentially delayed, according to reports. The situation has raised concerns among travel organizations, which warn that prolonged shutdowns could harm tourism and cost the economy billions of dollars.
The U.S. Tourism Association and over 500 travel companies have expressed alarm, stating that the ongoing closure of federal agencies is already creating risks for the aviation system. A letter to congressional leaders highlighted the potential for reduced demand and widespread economic damage. Travel groups urged lawmakers to resolve the crisis before Thanksgiving, as the weeks leading up to the holiday are typically among the busiest for American travelers.
The shutdown, which began on October 1 due to unresolved budget disputes, has forced federal agencies to operate with limited staff. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, noted that while current conditions do not pose an immediate safety threat, the lack of full operational capacity increases risks to aviation stability.
Efforts to address the deadlock continue as the nation faces daily economic losses estimated at $15 billion.
