Trump administration warns more flights could be cut if shutdown drags on

Potential Travel Disruptions - The Trump administration warned of potential airline cancellations this weekend and Thanksgiving travel risks if the government shutdown continues [1] - Transportation Secretary Shawn Duffy indicated aviation risk levels have risen during the shutdown, citing runway incursions, loss of separation in airspace, and pilot communication complaints [2] - The FAA ordered airlines to cancel 6% of flights today, affecting over 12,200 flights, with the 40 busiest airports being the most impacted [2] Airline Industry Concerns - Airlines anticipate carrying 31 million people over Thanksgiving, but warn reduced flight schedules cannot immediately return to full capacity after the government reopens [4] - Airlines are indicating it will take a couple of days to resume normal operations after receiving the green light from the FAA [5] Air Traffic Controller Impact - The President threatened to dock the pay of controllers who have not come to work [4] - Air traffic controllers will receive 70% of their back pay within 48 hours, with the remainder within approximately one week [6]