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Thanksgiving Travel Forecast: Shutdown Relief Fuels Record Predictions

U.S. airlines are anticipating another record-breaking Thanksgiving holiday travel period, buoyed by the recent end of the month-long government shutdown. The industry is breathing a collective sigh of relief after a period of disruption caused by staffing shortages and uncertainty.

Airlines for America (A4A), the lobbying ⁢group representing major U.S. carriers, predicts over ⁢31 million passengers will travel between Friday, ⁢November 21st, and Monday, December 1st. Sunday, November 24th, is expected to be the busiest day, with approximately 3.4 million passengers, followed closely by Monday, November 25th, with around 3.1 million.

The prolonged government shutdown, which concluded on November 12th, created ‍meaningful challenges for the airline industry.A shortage of air traffic controllers working without pay led to delays and cancellations, impacting the travel ‍plans of an estimated 6 million people. The shutdown⁣ was the longest in⁤ U.S. history.

Financial impact of the Shutdown

Bank of America estimates the shutdown negatively impacted operating income for major airlines by $150 million to $200 million, and smaller carriers by $100 million. Airlines are still assessing the full financial consequences and haven’t released revised estimates.

Some travelers reportedly delayed booking flights until the shutdown was resolved, demonstrating the sensitivity of⁢ travel plans to political instability. The industry is now focused on securing legislative protections ⁤for air traffic controller pay to prevent similar disruptions in the future, particularly with winter and spring break travel seasons approaching.