The prolonged government shutdown in the United States is raising serious concerns for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Republican leaders warned Tuesday that if the shutdown continues, it could lead to massive flight cancellations and widespread delays across the country.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents and air traffic controllers are working without pay as the shutdown enters its third week. GOP leaders caution that staffing shortages and increased absenteeism could soon strain airport operations nationwide, just as millions of Americans prepare to travel on November 27.

Tom Emmer, House Majority Whip, warned: “Airports will be flooded with flight cancellations and delays amid the busiest time to travel all year, and the list goes on and on.” Meanwhile, U.S. Travel Association has launched a real-time “travel spending loss ticker” on its official website to show the growing economic impact of the shutdown on the travel industry.

With negotiations stalled and no funding agreement in sight, political pressure is mounting as the nation approaches one of the most critical travel periods of the year.