US Airlines cancelled over 2,700 flights as the ongoing federal government shutdown severely disrupted air travel, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warning of a near-halt in operations if the impasse extends into the Thanksgiving holiday season. The disruptions stemmed primarily from unpaid Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners calling in sick en masse and air traffic controllers working without pay, leading to staffing shortages at major hubs. Passengers faced chaotic scenes at airports, with long queues at security checkpoints and widespread delays compounding the cancellations.

The shutdown has furloughed or forced unpaid work on thousands of federal aviation employees, exacerbating a system already strained by pre-holiday demand. Duffy described the situation as critical, stating air traffic could "slow to a trickle" without resolution, potentially stranding millions during one of the busiest travel periods. Major carriers like Delta, American, and United bore the brunt, with ripple effects grounding flights nationwide.

Airports such as LaGuardia in New York reported bottlenecked checkpoints as absent TSA staff left lanes understaffed, while controllers in key towers operated on skeleton crews. Industry groups urged bipartisan leaders to reopen government funding, highlighting risks to safety and economic impact estimated in billions from lost productivity and tourism.

Also Read: ‘Unprecedented Turmoil’: 750 Flights Grounded as FAA Cuts Operations Amid Shutdown

As negotiations stall in Congress over budget disputes, travellers are advised to monitor flights closely and consider alternatives. The crisis underscores the aviation sector's vulnerability to political gridlock, with calls mounting for contingency plans to protect essential services during future shutdowns.

Also Read: U.S. Orders 10% Flight Cuts at 40 Major Airports as Shutdown Cripples Air Travel