**Key Economic Warning: US Federal Shutdown Threatens Holiday Travel and Economic Growth**
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett has issued a stark warning: the ongoing federal shutdown could trigger a negative GDP in the fourth quarter due to significant travel disruptions during the peak holiday season. Airlines are facing mandatory flight cuts, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordering reductions of up to 10% at major airports to address critical staffing shortages in air traffic control.
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### Flight Disruptions Reach Critical Levels
On Sunday, November 9, more than 2,200 flights were canceled and over 7,200 delayed, according to data from FlightAware, marking the worst day for disruptions since the shutdown began on October 1. These delays and cancellations are escalating rapidly as Thanksgiving approaches, threatening the smooth flow of travel and broader economic activity.
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### Economic Impact of the Shutdown
In an interview on CBS’s *Face the Nation* on November 9, Kevin Hassett emphasized that the shortage of air traffic controllers is causing severe disruptions just ahead of Thanksgiving, one of the busiest economic periods of the year. If travel grinds to a halt, consumer spending could take a significant hit, potentially pushing the U.S. into a negative GDP quarter in Q4. Hassett highlighted that holiday travel is a critical driver of economic growth, and prolonged disruptions could have ripple effects throughout the economy.
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### How Flight Delays Are Affecting Thanksgiving Travel
The federal shutdown has resulted in acute staffing shortages at the FAA, with many air traffic controllers furloughed or working without pay. This shortage has forced airlines to implement mandatory flight cuts for three consecutive days. For instance:
– On Saturday, November 8, there were 1,550 cancellations and 6,700 delays.
– Sunday, November 9, saw an even worse day with over 2,200 cancellations and 7,200 delays.
– United Airlines announced cancellations of 190 flights on Monday and 269 on Tuesday following the trend.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned on CNN’s *State of the Union* that air travel could slow to a “trickle” as the situation worsens. Twelve control towers faced staffing shortages earlier on Sunday, with the number of daily controller retirements rising sharply—from four per day before the shutdown to between 15 and 20 now.
The FAA estimates a shortage of 1,000 to 2,000 controllers, severely impacting millions of travelers planning to fly before Thanksgiving. Analysts have described this recent surge in cancellations as the worst since the shutdown began, raising concerns that many travelers may be stranded if the issue remains unresolved.
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### Frequently Asked Questions
**What caused the recent surge in US flight delays during the federal shutdown?**
The surge is driven by the ongoing shutdown, which has led to furloughs and unpaid work among thousands of air traffic controllers, creating severe staffing shortages at the FAA. This has forced airlines to cancel thousands of flights to manage the disruptions.
**How long will the federal shutdown continue to impact air travel?**
The impact is expected to worsen in the two weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, with continued controller shortages and increased retirements. Although the Senate is working on a deal to reopen government funding through January 2026, immediate relief remains uncertain. Travelers should prepare for potential ongoing disruptions during the holiday rush.
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### Key Takeaways
– **Economic risk amplified:** The shutdown threatens to push the U.S. economy into a negative growth quarter if holiday travel falters, underscoring the importance of smooth Thanksgiving travel and spending.
– **Passenger advisory:** With thousands of cancellations and delays on peak days, travelers are urged to monitor flight updates closely and consider alternative travel plans to minimize disruption.
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### Conclusion
The ongoing US federal shutdown is severely impacting air travel during one of the busiest times of the year. Staffing shortages in air traffic control have forced widespread flight cancellations and delays, threatening not only holiday plans but also broader economic growth. Travelers should stay informed, remain flexible, and prepare for potential disruptions as efforts continue to resolve the shutdown.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/us-shutdown-may-jeopardize-thanksgiving-travel-and-q4-economic-growth/