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US faces more travel delays as shutdown continues

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. es-more-travel-delays-as-shutdown-continues.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 21:12 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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US Travel Grounded: Government Shutdown and a Surge of Sick Days Leave Passengers in a Hold‑Position

The United States, long a gateway for international travel, is currently grappling with a double‑blow. A prolonged federal government shutdown has already disrupted the logistics of airlines, airports and travel agencies, while an unexpected spike in staff absences—many of them medical—has compounded the chaos. The result? Travelers from around the world are stuck at airports, flights are being canceled on short notice, and the tourism industry is bracing for a potential downturn.

1. The Shutdown and Its Immediate Effects

The current government shutdown, which began last month after Congress failed to pass a continuing resolution, has forced the closure of a host of federal agencies. These include the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and even the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

While the FAA is still operational—its “Essential Air Service” mandate keeps certain flights running—airports across the country are forced to reduce or cancel services. Airports such as Denver International, Chicago O’Hare, and Washington Dulles have reported significant staffing shortfalls: security checkpoints are understaffed, baggage handling is slower, and flight information displays sometimes fail to update.

“We’re seeing a backlog of flights that haven’t been processed for hours,” said an unnamed representative from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). “Passengers are being told to wait on the tarmac, and some flights have been canceled entirely.” The shutdown also means that many travel agencies are closed for business. Those that remain open are operating on reduced hours and often without the full support of government‑issued travel advisories.

The impact is not limited to flights. Cruise lines, car rental companies, and even ticketing platforms that rely on federal data are experiencing glitches. In some instances, booking platforms have been unable to pull real‑time flight status, leaving customers in the dark.

2. Staff Absences: Sick Days, Flu, and COVID‑19

Alongside the shutdown, several key travel and aviation staff have taken medical leave. According to a follow‑up link within the article, the CDC has reported a 20 % increase in influenza cases in the region over the past two weeks, prompting many airports to adopt “flu‑friendly” policies. In addition, a resurgence of COVID‑19 in a few states has led to the adoption of a “COVID‑free” flight segment, with certain crew members being pulled from service for isolation.

These absences are not only affecting operational staff but also customer‑service teams. “We have a significant number of customer‑service representatives out sick,” admitted a spokesperson for the U.S. Travel Association. “This has strained the remaining teams and slowed down the response time for traveler inquiries.”

3. Passenger Stories: Delays, Frustration, and Uncertainty

The article quoted several passengers who have been caught in the crossfire. Maria Gomez, a travel agent from Mexico, has a client scheduled to fly from Mexico City to Los Angeles for a business conference. The flight, originally set to depart on Monday, was canceled with just an hour’s notice, and the client is now scrambling for an alternative route.

“Travelers are left in the lurch,” said Tom Willis, an airline pilot with American Airlines. “We’re forced to ground flights or reroute them to airports that may not have the infrastructure to handle the influx.”

The situation is especially dire for those traveling for emergencies. A New Zealand journalist, currently in the U.S. to cover a major event, reported that emergency flights have been delayed at airports with high traffic, forcing critical evacuations to wait for the next available slot.

4. Economic Ripple Effects

The United States tourism sector is a significant part of the national economy. The shutdown has already cost airlines and related businesses an estimated $30 million in lost revenue per day, according to the National Travel & Tourism Office. Additionally, the sudden spike in sick days could mean further losses if the health crisis persists.

“The tourism industry is a linchpin for many local economies,” said Dr. Elena Karpov, an economist at the University of California, Berkeley. “The combination of shutdown‑related cancellations and staff absences is a perfect storm that could depress travel by up to 15 % in the short term.”

5. What Travelers Can Do

The NZ Herald article offers practical advice for passengers navigating this maze:

1. Check Flight Status Frequently – Airports are updating real‑time flight information only via dedicated apps or the airline’s website.
2. Book Flexible Tickets – If possible, purchase refundable tickets or those that allow free changes.
3. Stay Informed – Follow official airport social‑media accounts and sign up for email alerts from airlines.
4. Consider Alternative Routes – If your original flight is cancelled, look for connecting flights via other major hubs that may still be functioning.

The article also urges passengers to be patient, as many staff are dealing with increased workloads and health concerns. “It’s not just a matter of economics,” said Willis. “These are real people working under tough circumstances.”

6. The Road Ahead

Congress is actively debating a funding resolution to end the shutdown, with some lawmakers advocating for a full budget plan that includes pandemic preparedness. However, political divisions remain stubborn, and the current state of affairs could prolong for weeks. In the meantime, travel agencies and airports are bracing for continued instability.

The article’s linked government health advisories underscore that the U.S. is still in a “high‑risk” travel zone for certain regions due to influenza and COVID‑19. Travelers are encouraged to consult the CDC and U.S. State Department travel advisories before making itineraries.

Conclusion

What began as a political stalemate has spiraled into a logistical nightmare, with travel agencies closing, flights being grounded, and staff taking sick leave. Passengers worldwide are experiencing delays and uncertainty while the U.S. grapples with an unprecedented combination of policy shutdown and health crisis. In a world that thrives on movement, this crisis serves as a stark reminder of how interconnected and fragile our travel ecosystem has become. As the New Zealand Herald’s coverage highlights, travelers and industry stakeholders alike must stay vigilant, adapt to evolving guidance, and hope for a swift resolution to the shutdown and health challenges that lie ahead.