Air Travel Chaos May Get Worse Before It Gets Better

Despite Congress nearing a deal to end the government shutdown, air traffic issues are likely to continue to impact the American people after the shutdown comes to an end — especially those who plan on traveling for the holidays and those who want to order their Christmas gifts online.

Thousands of flights have already been delayed or outright canceled — and the issues are affecting package deliveries as well as passenger travel. The ripple effect could last for days beyond the end of the shutdown.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pointed out that it was not just human cargo being delayed or rerouted as flights were delayed and canceled — but also actual cargo. And as the holiday season approaches — and people ship millions of packages across the country and around the world — those packages are also likely to face delays.

Treasury Sec. Scott Bessent warns of the government shutdown’s impact on the economy leading into the holidays: “Cargo and people are both being slowed down.” https://t.co/fthuOU6ymG pic.twitter.com/P9diiuspqd

— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) November 9, 2025

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told “State of the Union” host Jake Tapper that if a deal wasn’t reached, air travel would quickly “be reduced to a trickle” — just as some of the biggest travel days of the year approached.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy tells CNN’s Jake Tapper travel disruptions are “only going to get worse” and that “you’re going to see air travel be reduced to a trickle” if the shutdown continues. pic.twitter.com/blCpBtdDHH

— State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) November 9, 2025

When asked how many Americans might find themselves grounded for the holiday, Duffy was clear: “I think the number is going to be substantial.”

Duffy on how many Americans won’t be able to travel for Thanksgiving due to air traffic controller shortages: “I think the number is going to be substantial.” pic.twitter.com/7ILl4NX4lQ

— State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) November 9, 2025

Duffy went on to explain that the flight cancellations were based on only one criterion: safety. “This is not political. This is strictly safety. And I’m doing what I can in a mess that Democrats have put on my lap. And now I’m trying to keep the American people safe and keep airplanes flying,” he said.

Duffy on flight cancellations: “This is not political. This is strictly safety. And I’m doing what I can in a mess that Democrats have put on my lap. And now I’m trying to keep the American people safe and keep airplanes flying.” pic.twitter.com/9WVyl4w8Ek

— State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) November 9, 2025

How far will the effects ripple out into the coming days? Only time will tell.

Since the air travel chaos could affect your holiday packages, it’s probably not a great idea to wait until the last minute to get gifts for your loved ones this year. So stop putting off ordering those wish list items and get your holiday shopping done right now at Daily Wire Shop.

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