American airlines are racing to restore air travel routes ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, following the end of the largest government shutdown in the country’s history, which was ordered by US President Donald Trump.
Although airlines are in the process of restoring routes, passengers may face remaining delays and cancellations until the FAA and airports return to full normality.
After 43 days of “chaos” caused by the shutdown in air travel, Congress passed a resolution to fund the federal government. But the losses already amount to 6 billion. dollars and unnecessary inconvenience for travelers and government employees, as the US Travel Association points out.
The above was a consequence of the gradual reduction of flights at 40 of the country’s busiest airports, while for tomorrow the forecasts spoke of 10% of flights, as air traffic controllers either abstained or continued to work without pay.
More than 20,000 flights were delayed or canceled, according to the US president.
Hundreds of daily domestic flights were canceled as a result of the US Federal Aviation Administration’s order to reduce routes from November 7.
Airports uncertain when normalcy will return
It remains unclear when U.S. airports will fully resume normal operations, especially with the pressure mounting ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday on Nov. 27. In addition, the temporary government funding is only valid until Jan. 30, 2026.
Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, after Trump signed the agreement, emphasized in statements to Travel Weekly that all government shutdowns are irresponsible as they jeopardize basic services, undermine public trust and impose unnecessary financial burdens.
He warns that if Congress follows this “foolish path” again, essential federal workers – such as air traffic controllers and TSA [Transport Security Administration] agents – must be paid without interruption.
“America cannot afford another self-inflicted crisis that threatens the systems millions of people rely on every day,” he said, calling for long-term change. “Congress must invest in the modern infrastructure, technology and workforce needed to keep America moving forward,” he said.
Airlines are gradually returning
American Airlines said in a statement that it has already seen a significant reduction in air traffic control staffing shortages, leading to fewer delays and cancellations.
The company’s chief executive, Robert Isom, praised his team for handling the situation, while acknowledging the efforts of controllers who have worked for weeks without pay.
Delta Air Lines is welcoming the reopening of the government, expressing gratitude to federal employees who have kept the airspace safe despite difficult conditions. The company aims to be fully operational within the next few days.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said the company responded quickly to the FAA’s guidance on the cuts, canceling hundreds of flights within hours and rescheduling them for the following days. “Safety was our top priority, while giving travelers the greatest possible flexibility,” he said in a message to staff.
