Travel Industry Urges U.S. Congress to End Shutdown Amid Thanksgiving Rush

As the U.S. government shutdown enters its 34th day, the U.S. Travel Association has called on Congress to take immediate action to reopen federal operations before the Thanksgiving travel surge. In a letter signed by over 500 organizations—including major industry players Hilton and MGM Resorts—the association warned that the prolonged shutdown is causing severe disruptions across the aviation sector and undermining traveler confidence.

The shutdown has already resulted in widespread flight delays and cancellations, with 3.2 million passengers affected due to increased absences among air traffic controllers. Many of these essential workers, along with 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers, have been forced to work without pay, prompting some to take second jobs to manage financial strain. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the economic cost of the shutdown to be between $7 billion and $14 billion.

“Air travel’s number one priority is safety, and while that will be maintained, travelers will pay a heavy and completely unnecessary price,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. He emphasized that the fastest way to restore confidence and stabilize the travel sector is for Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution. With 60% of Americans reportedly reconsidering their travel plans, the letter warned that the economic and reputational damage from the ongoing shutdown is growing by the hour.

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