Over 1,200 flights were canceled across the U.S. on Friday as a government shutdown paralyzes air travel, leaving travelers stranded and sparking fears ahead of Thanksgiving 🦃. Major hubs like Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles saw the worst disruptions, with airport staff working unpaid amid a political stalemate in Washington.
Why It’s Happening
The Trump administration ordered flight cuts to ease pressure on unpaid air traffic controllers, as Republicans and Democrats clash over healthcare subsidies in a budget battle that’s dragged on for six weeks. If Congress doesn’t reach a deal, cancellations could spike to 10% next week—just as holiday travel peaks.
Travelers Feel the Pain
"This is hurting a lot of people," said Rhonda, 65, at New York’s LaGuardia, echoing frustrations nationwide. Delays hit two hours in Boston and Newark, while airlines like American and Delta axed hundreds of daily flights. 🛄
Political Blame Game
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy accused Democrats of "shameful" delays, but with Republicans controlling Congress, the deadlock shows no sign of breaking. The Senate’s 15th attempt to pass a funding bill failed Friday, deepening the crisis.
As unpaid workers take sick days or side gigs, the shutdown’s ripple effects are hitting ordinary Americans—and Thanksgiving plans hang in the balance. 🛑
