Benzingaยท2025-11-11 02:40Core Points - President Trump has demanded that air traffic controllers return to work amid significant flight cancellations due to staffing shortages from the ongoing government shutdown [1][2] - Nearly 1.2 million travelers faced disruptions over the weekend, with over 2,250 flights canceled and 8,100 delayed on a single day [2][3] - The FAA reported staffing issues at nearly two dozen facilities, leading to ground delays and stops at major airports [3] Company Impact - Trump's comments led to a decline in aviation stocks, including American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines, which had previously been stable during the shutdown [5] - The performance of major airlines post-Trump's comments showed American Airlines down 2.49%, Delta down 0.54%, and United down 1.32% [6] - The upcoming peak travel season, starting with Thanksgiving, is expected to see around 119 million Americans traveling, which could further impact airline operations [6] Government Response - Trump proposed a $10,000 bonus for air traffic controllers who did not take time off during the shutdown, while criticizing those who complained about the situation [4] - Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg criticized Trump's remarks, suggesting that the administration should not attack air traffic controllers given their treatment during the shutdown [7]