As the government shutdown drags into its sixth week, thousands of air travelers are stranded amid widespread flight cancellations, forcing many to turn to trains, buses, and rental cars to reach their destinations.
As the longest U.S. government shutdown in history continues, transportation officials have been warning travelers to expect delays at airports while essential workers go without pay. https://t.co/qNoIvMB5hQ pic.twitter.com/Sr0CGtBlwO
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) November 7, 2025
Major car rental companies, including Avis, Hertz, and Turo, have reported surges in one-way bookings, with demand jumping as much as 30% over the weekend.
NEW YORK (AP) — Travelers braced for canceled flights, scrambled plans, and holidays stranded in airports as the government shutdown threatened to snarl trips across the country. News that the Federal Aviation Administration will reduce air traffic at 40… https://t.co/3vVh1mk2Gk pic.twitter.com/JC9JW2LJ1q
— The Western Journal (@WesternJournalX) November 6, 2025
Frustrated travelers like Xavier and Soluna Vega drove over 1,000 miles from Florida to Connecticut after their flights were canceled, while others, such as Sean and Kelsey Fishkind, spent hundreds of dollars renting cars to make anniversary trips.
Shutdown could reduce US flights 'to a trickle', transport secretary warns https://t.co/K1DsgdhySN
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) November 9, 2025
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned air travel could be “reduced to a trickle” if the shutdown continues, with flight cuts potentially rising to 20% before Thanksgiving.
The crisis, travelers say, highlights Washington’s dysfunction and its ripple effects on ordinary Americans struggling to work, travel, and eat.
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TIPP Staff
