As Congress inches toward a deal to end the government shutdown, the American public is facing an unfortunate reality: even if the government reopens tomorrow, the chaos in the skies and in shipping hubs will likely linger well into the holiday season.
Already, thousands of flights have been delayed or canceled during the shutdown, and experts warn that the ripple effect — especially during peak holiday travel and shipping periods — could grow worse before it gets better. And this time, it’s not just passengers who are grounded. It’s packages, too.
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 sounded the alarm over the weekend, warning that if a deal wasn’t reached soon, air travel could grind to “a trickle” just as Americans flood airports for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Speaking to CNN’s Jake Tapper, Duffy said bluntly, “I think the number [of Americans grounded] is going to be substantial.”
Even if a funding agreement is secured, the system won’t reboot overnight. The reason is simple: the shutdown didn’t just furlough paper-pushing bureaucrats — it hit the most essential parts of aviation. Air traffic controllers, TSA agents, and FAA safety inspectors were either working unpaid or operating on skeleton crews. That led to staffing shortages, backlogs in safety inspections, and a spike in delays and cancellations, all of which will take time to untangle.
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
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added another layer to the problem, highlighting how the shutdown’s impact isn’t confined to human travel. “It’s not just human cargo being delayed or rerouted,” Bessent said. “It’s actual cargo” — a concern with major implications as holiday shopping ramps up and millions of packages are shipped nationwide.
Retailers and logistics companies are bracing for widespread disruptions. With many distribution networks relying on air freight to meet next-day or two-day delivery guarantees, even a modest slowdown could ripple into missed gift deliveries and holiday shortages.
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 made it clear that safety was the only priority driving the current travel disruptions. “This is not political. This is strictly safety,” he said. “I’m doing what I can in a mess that Democrats have put on my lap.”
Indeed, while political blame continues to be volleyed across the aisle, the American traveler — and the American consumer — are the ones left standing in the fallout. And unlike past shutdowns, this one is colliding head-on with the most logistically demanding season of the year.
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
So while Congress may soon declare victory in ending the impasse, travelers and shippers should brace themselves. Because the shutdown may be ending, but the delays — in airports, in shipping centers, and on holiday wish lists — are just getting started.
