Sean Duffy Warns Air Travel Will Plummet if Government Shutdown Continues Past Thanksgiving

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  Travel and Leisure on Mon, Nov 10th, 2025 by Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati

Summary of “Air Travel Will Reduce to Trickle if Government Shutdown Continues to Thanksgiving – Department of Transportation Sean Duffy Says”

The article, published by Local 12, reports on a warning from former U.S. Representative Sean Duffy, now a senior adviser to the Department of Transportation (DOT), about the looming impact of a continued federal government shutdown on air travel. Duffy, who chairs the Senate Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, testified that if the shutdown stretches past Thanksgiving, the DOT will be forced to cut flight operations to a “trickle.” The piece explains the mechanisms behind this warning, the potential consequences for passengers and airlines, and the DOT’s contingency plans.

DOT’s Current State of Operations

Duffy begins by outlining the DOT’s role in maintaining the safety and efficiency of the national air transportation system. The agency is responsible for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). During a shutdown, non‑essential federal employees are furloughed, but essential services such as air traffic control and airport security can continue under the “essential services” policy. However, the article stresses that even essential services can be constrained when funding gaps grow longer.

Duffy points out that the FAA’s budget includes a significant portion for air traffic control (ATC) staffing, training, and equipment. If the shutdown persists, the agency’s ability to pay ATC personnel and maintain radar systems may be compromised. The DOT’s Office of the Secretary has warned that “the FAA may be required to reduce the number of ATC towers and facilities it can staff, leading to fewer available flight slots.”

TSA and Airport Security Implications

The article notes that TSA personnel are considered essential, but the agency’s funding comes from the federal payroll. A prolonged shutdown could reduce TSA staffing levels, especially in smaller airports that rely on part‑time agents. Duffy explains that a reduction in TSA staff would translate into longer security lines and potentially fewer flights approved for departure at busy airports. The piece includes a link to a TSA press release that outlines the current staffing ratios and the projected impact on security wait times if federal funding stops.

Airline Operations and Crew Furloughs

Duffy further highlights how airlines might react to the DOT’s directives. He cites the FAA’s “Pilot Licensing and Flight Operations” guidelines, which require pilots to be paid and certified. If the DOT cannot pay pilots, airlines will likely furlough crew members or reduce crew rotations. The article quotes an airline spokesperson who said that “any decision to suspend or cancel flights would first depend on the FAA’s ability to maintain ATC services and TSA security.”

The article also references a recent update from the Airline Association, which warns that the combined effect of ATC limitations and TSA staffing could reduce domestic flight capacity by up to 25% during a prolonged shutdown. It also notes that international flights would be even more severely affected because they rely on the FAA for certification and international security coordination.

DOT’s Contingency Plans

According to the piece, the DOT is preparing several contingency measures. These include:

1. Prioritization of Essential Flights: The DOT will designate flights that serve critical medical, military, or governmental needs. A link to the DOT’s “Essential Flight Operations” page explains how these flights will be identified and guaranteed slot access.
2. Emergency Funding Requests: The DOT has already submitted a request for emergency appropriations to the Treasury Department to cover ATC and TSA personnel during the shutdown. The article links to the official request submitted by the Office of the Secretary.
3. Inter‑agency Coordination: The DOT is coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure that security and transportation services can continue under a “continuity of operations” plan. A link to the DHS “Continuity of Operations Plan” is provided for readers interested in the details.

Public and Traveler Impact

Duffy’s main concern is for the American traveler. He warns that “passengers could face a dramatic increase in flight cancellations, delays, and longer wait times.” The article includes a link to the FAA’s “Travelers’ Guide During a Government Shutdown” that advises passengers on how to check flight status, how to obtain refunds, and how to navigate security lines under reduced TSA staffing.

The piece concludes with a note from Duffy that “the DOT’s priority is to keep the skies safe, but it must also maintain the flow of commerce and essential services.” He urges Congress to move swiftly to resolve the shutdown to avoid the “trickle” scenario he described.

Follow‑Up Links

The article provides several hyperlinks to additional resources:

• DOT’s Office of the Secretary: Overview of DOT’s role during a shutdown.
• FAA Pilot Licensing and Flight Operations Guidelines: Details on how pilot licensing is affected by funding gaps.
• TSA Staffing and Security Wait Times: Current staffing ratios and projected impacts.
• Essential Flight Operations Page: Criteria for prioritizing flights during a shutdown.
• Emergency Funding Request (Treasury): Official documentation of the DOT’s request for emergency appropriations.
• DHS Continuity of Operations Plan: Coordination measures with homeland security.

These links offer readers deeper insight into the regulatory and operational frameworks that govern U.S. air travel during a federal shutdown and help contextualize Sean Duffy’s warning about the potential “trickle” in flight operations if the shutdown continues past Thanksgiving.