While many Americans are bracing for delays and alternates routes to get around canceled flights, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said flying will simply not be possible for many travelers this Thanksgiving if the government shutdown drags on.
In response to staffing shortages, the FAA started with a 4% reduction in the flight operations at 40 major airports on Friday, which it will ramp up to 6% by Nov. 11, 8% by Nov. 13, and up to 10% by Nov. 14. Duffy said earlier that the reductions could hit 15%-20% if the shutdown continues.
That would put Thanksgiving right in the crosshairs, with the busiest time of the year to travel less than three weeks away.
“We have a number of people who want to get home for the holidays, they want to see their families, they want to celebrate this great American holiday,” Duffy said on Sunday. “Listen, many of them are not going to be able to get on an airplane, because there are not going to be that many flights that fly unless this thing doesn’t open back up.”
When asked how many Americans will not be able to see their families over Thanksgiving, he replied, “I think the number is going to be substantial.”
FAA staffing shortages and reduced flights have left air travel more vulnerable to weather disruptions, which would worsen delays and cancellations. A Midwest storm is expected to drop up to 18 inches of snow on parts of Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois between Sunday and Monday.
Other forms of ground transportation are preparing for a spike in demand as well, including Amtrak and intercity bus services.
He posted on social media that the ACA it is “the worst Healthcare anywhere in the world” and suggested Congress send money directly to people to buy insurance.
