On November 11, 2025, the U.S. airlines issued a warning on Monday (November 10), stating that even though the U.S. government shutdown has ended, the ongoing flight cancellations and delays that have lasted for weeks may not immediately improve, and air travel will continue to be affected in the short term.
The industry organization Airlines for America (A4A) stated on Monday evening that since the government shutdown began on October 1, over 5 million airline passengers have been impacted by flight interruptions, mainly due to the government’s inability to pay wages leading to a severe shortage of air traffic controllers.
In a statement, the organization said, “After the government reopens, airlines reducing flight schedules cannot immediately return to full capacity. This takes time and will have residual effects for several days. With the Thanksgiving travel period starting next week and the busy holiday transportation season approaching, action should be taken now to help alleviate further impacts on the American people.”
Members of Airlines for America include major U.S. airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.
The aviation industry group expects a record number of passengers during this year’s Thanksgiving period, which is just over two weeks away.
Since the government shutdown, the existing shortage of air traffic controllers at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has worsened. More air traffic controllers are absent, some taking sick leave to work second jobs to make ends meet, leading to widespread flight delays and cancellations at airports across the country.
As the crisis of airport personnel shortage intensifies, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced on November 5 that, to ensure flight safety during the government shutdown, starting from November 7, 10% of flight capacity at 40 major airports nationwide would be reduced. This process has proceeded gradually, with airlines canceling about 8,000 flights in accordance with the FAA’s order from last Friday to this Monday, representing a 4% reduction. The FAA stated that this rate would increase to 6% on Tuesday, reaching 10% by the end of this week.
On Monday evening, the U.S. Senate passed an appropriations bill to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history as soon as possible. The bill has been submitted to the House of Representatives for a vote, and President Trump has indicated that if the bill passes both chambers of Congress, he will sign it into law to restart government operations.
However, as warned by the aviation industry organization, even if the government reopens, airlines will need time to readjust their current flight schedules.
Mike Taylor, a director at the U.S. data analysis and consumer intelligence company J.D. Power, who is responsible for researching airports and airlines, stated that due to the widespread and ongoing nature of flight disruptions, many planes are not in their designated positions, which may result in airlines being unable to quickly resume normal operations even if the FAA lifts the order to reduce flights.
Taylor remarked, “Just think about it, all these planes are not flying on their usual routes.”
He pointed out that airlines need to track the locations of all their planes, determine where each plane should be, and find pilots and crew members for these flights.