White House Warns of Flight Chaos if US Government Shutdown Continues

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The White House has warned that the ongoing US government shutdown could cause major disruptions to air travel during the Thanksgiving holiday period. Officials said that air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are currently working without pay, raising concerns about potential delays and cancellations if the shutdown continues.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that prolonged unpaid work could lead to staffing shortages, slower airport operations, and extended wait times for travelers. “We are doing everything possible to limit the impact on travelers, but the shutdown is already straining essential operations,” she said.

The warning comes as millions of Americans prepare for the busiest travel season of the year. Thanksgiving week typically sees one of the highest numbers of domestic flights, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) coordinating thousands of daily operations across major airports.

The government shutdown, which began earlier this month due to a budget impasse in Congress, has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees working without pay. Among them are critical aviation personnel, including air traffic controllers and TSA officers, who are required to report to work despite not receiving salaries.

Industry experts have cautioned that morale and staffing could decline if the shutdown continues, similar to what occurred during the 35-day federal shutdown in 2019, when some security checkpoints were temporarily closed.

Leavitt urged Congress to pass a funding bill to restore government operations and ensure smooth holiday travel. “This is not a partisan issue, it’s about keeping America moving safely and efficiently,” she added.

While flight safety will not be compromised, officials noted that extended financial strain on essential workers could affect overall efficiency at airports nationwide.

The White House emphasized that a swift resolution is necessary to avoid a repeat of previous shutdown disruptions that left travelers facing hours-long delays across the country.