As the government shutdown continues, significant disruptions in air travel are being reported across the United States. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that airspace closures may become necessary due to staffing shortages, particularly among air traffic controllers. Flight delays are piling up, especially in major airports like Newark and Hartsfield-Jackson, where wait times have reached up to 98 minutes. Airlines are urgently pleading for an end to the shutdown, with fears of mass chaos looming as the busy holiday travel season approaches. Travelers are experiencing extended wait times and growing frustration as staffing shortages strain airport operations, leading to ground stops and cancellations. Officials warn that if the shutdown persists, the conditions for air travel could worsen, potentially impacting millions during the Thanksgiving period.