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The flight disruptions caused by the government shutdown are expected to extend into the Thanksgiving holiday period, potentially impacting a record 31 million passengers. U.S. airlines are bracing for further disruption following an order from President Donald Trump's administration to reduce flights at major airports. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy mandated a 10 percent cut in flights, commencing Friday, across 40 key U.S. airports, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The flight reductions are a direct result of a shortage of air traffic controllers, exacerbated by the ongoing government shutdown. Duffy warned Friday that cuts could increase to 20 percent if the government shutdown continues, even if Congress clears a funding impasse by the time the busy Thanksgiving travel period begins.
