US Government Shutdown Threatens to Ground Flights in a Matter of Days

Transportation Secretary Warns of Devastating Consequences for US Air Travel Amid Government Shutdown Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sounded the alarm on Sunday, warning that the ongoing US government shutdown could severely impact air travel, potentially reducing flights to a trickle. The dire prediction came as flight delays and cancellations continued to plague US air travel for a third consecutive day, with over 1,400 flights cancelled and 2,700 delayed on Sunday morning, according to flight tracker FlightAware. The financial implications of the shutdown are already being felt, with the airline industry facing significant losses due to the disruptions. According to a report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global airline industry is expected to lose $1.7 billion in revenue due to the shutdown. In the US alone, the shutdown is estimated to cost the airline industry over $100 million per day. The market impact of the shutdown is also being felt globally. The shutdown is causing a ripple effect, with airlines from around the world experiencing delays and cancellations due to the disruptions in US air travel. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has warned that the shutdown could have a significant impact on global air travel, with the potential to disrupt supply chains and economies. The US airline industry is a significant player in the global market, with major carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines operating flights to destinations around the world. The industry is a major contributor to the US economy, generating over $1 trillion in economic activity each year. If the shutdown continues, the consequences for the airline industry could be severe. Transportation Secretary Duffy warned that travelers trying to fly home for the Thanksgiving holiday later this month may not be able to get there, with many flights potentially being cancelled. The shutdown could also have a long-term impact on the industry, with some analysts predicting that it could take months for the industry to recover from the disruptions. As lawmakers work to reach a compromise on government funding and end the shutdown, the airline industry is holding its breath. The industry is urging lawmakers to act quickly to avoid further disruptions to air travel. With the holiday season approaching, the stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction could be severe. In a statement, the Air Transport Association (ATA) said, "The shutdown is having a devastating impact on the airline industry, and we urge lawmakers to act quickly to end the shutdown and restore normal operations." The ATA added that the shutdown is not only affecting US airlines but also international carriers that rely on US air travel. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the US government shutdown is having a significant impact on the airline industry, and the consequences could be far-reaching. The industry is urging lawmakers to act quickly to avoid further disruptions to air travel and to restore normal operations.