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Air Travel Set to Shrink to a Trickle if Government Shutdown Persists, Says Secretary Sean Duffy

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, November 10th 2025 at 13:13 GMT by WGME

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Air Travel Set to Shrink to a Trickle if Government Shutdown Persists, Says Secretary Sean Duffy

A looming federal shutdown has taken a toll on the aviation industry, and the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) spokesperson is warning that air travel could be severely curtailed if the crisis continues. Secretary Sean Duffy, in a statement released late this week, cautioned that without congressional action to reopen the government, airlines would have to scale back operations dramatically—particularly as Thanksgiving approaches.

The Threat to the Aviation Chain

Duffy’s remarks came amid the most recent federal shutdown, which began on November 3 after lawmakers failed to agree on a budget. The DOT, as the agency that oversees the nation’s airports, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), is on the front lines of the resulting ripple effect. While the DOT itself remains operational, many of its staff—including security personnel at airports—have been furloughed. Consequently, airlines are being forced to operate with limited resources.

“If the government shutdown continues, air travel will reduce to a trickle,” Duffy said. “We’re seeing that the FAA can’t fully support air traffic control, and the TSA can’t staff all airports. That creates a domino effect.”

The DOT’s own “Government Shutdown” page explains that a shutdown means the government ceases to fund non-essential operations. Many federal agencies, including the DOT, are required to shut down or operate at reduced capacity. The page also details the legal framework and the procedures that determine which functions are deemed essential. In the case of transportation, the FAA’s air traffic control is deemed essential, but many ancillary services—including the ability to process flight changes and manage airspace—are heavily impacted when staff are unavailable.

Impact on Flights and Airports

The FAA’s “Air Traffic Control Operations” section of the DOT’s website offers insight into how the shutdown is affecting flight schedules. Without the full complement of air traffic controllers, the FAA has had to consolidate flight routes, limit the number of flights that can be handled at a time, and in some instances, ground flights entirely. Airlines, in turn, are forced to cancel or reschedule flights, often with little notice to passengers.

TSA staff are similarly affected. The DOT’s “TSA Operations” page notes that a significant portion of TSA employees are furloughed, which forces airports to rely on limited security personnel. Some smaller airports have announced that they will operate “under reduced security protocols” until the government reopens, while larger hubs—such as Chicago O’Hare and Dallas/Fort Worth—have already begun to see delays and extended wait times for passengers.

The Department of Transportation’s recent press release—accessible through the DOT’s “News” portal—underscores the urgency of the situation. In the release, Secretary Duffy reiterated that “the travel industry is at a crossroads.” He added that the DOT is coordinating with airlines, airport authorities, and the FAA to mitigate the impact, but the ultimate limitation will come from the availability of staff.

Thanksgiving Travel Concerns

The timing of the shutdown is especially problematic as the holiday season approaches. The DOT’s “Travel Guidance” page lists the number of flights scheduled for Thanksgiving and notes that airlines have already reported “significant flight cancellations” due to staffing shortages. Duffy warned that families could face “unprecedented delays” and “unpredictable travel plans” if the shutdown continues. He added that airlines will likely prioritize essential flights—such as those needed for healthcare or evacuation purposes—over leisure travel.

Travelers are being advised to check with airlines frequently, use the DOT’s “Flight Status” tool, and be prepared for changes in departure times. The DOT’s “Travel Advice” page also suggests that passengers carry essential documentation and consider travel insurance that covers cancellations.

Legislative Implications

Secretary Duffy’s comments arrive as Congress debates a short‑term continuing resolution that would extend the current funding for the DOT and other agencies. The DOT’s “Budget and Appropriations” page indicates that a failure to pass such a resolution could mean the entire agency remains shut, effectively halting the nation's aviation operations.

According to the DOT’s “Congressional Oversight” section, the Department has been submitting requests to Congress for additional appropriations to cover essential operations. Duffy’s remarks highlight that these requests have yet to be approved, and without them, the DOT will be forced to scale back operations even further.

Bottom Line

The Department of Transportation, through Secretary Sean Duffy’s public statements, has made clear that the aviation industry’s ability to function hinges on the federal government’s ability to remain open. As the holiday season looms, the warning that “air travel will reduce to a trickle” serves as a stark reminder: if the shutdown persists, the ripple effects will touch every ticket holder, airport worker, and airline employee. The DOT’s official pages—covering everything from “Government Shutdown” to “Air Traffic Control Operations” and “TSA Operations”—provide the detailed framework and current status updates for those seeking to navigate the uncertain skies ahead.