US Airlines Scramble to Recover as Shutdown Disrupts Thanksgiving Travel Plans

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The US airline industry is bracing for a prolonged impact from the government shutdown, despite hopes that funding will be restored by the end of the week. The shutdown has already led to a significant surge in flight cancellations, with over 8,000 flights grounded in the last four days alone. To mitigate the effects, airlines such as Delta and United are incentivizing crew members to work extra trips and utilizing reserve crews to maintain minimal services. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, Thanksgiving bookings have slowed to a mere 1% growth rate since the end of October, a stark contrast to the steady demand carriers had anticipated. Industry officials warn that operational disruptions will persist even after the government reopens, with widespread flight disruptions forcing airlines to rapidly find replacements and avoid further delays. Airlines are facing a double whammy - not only are they dealing with the immediate impact of the shutdown, but they also risk losing significant revenue from postponed travel and last-minute bookings. Analysts estimate that the 10% FAA-mandated flight cuts could cost the industry around $10 million daily, with costs potentially mounting to $45 million a day if cuts remain in place until Thanksgiving. While some carriers like American, Delta, and United may benefit from business spilled by ultra-low-cost airlines, discount carriers such as Frontier and Allegiant face a greater revenue risk due to their reduced capacity to reaccommodate passengers. As the long Thanksgiving weekend approaches, the industry is holding its breath, hoping that the government will restore funding and alleviate the pressure on airlines. Industry leaders are urging airlines to take proactive measures to minimize the disruptions, citing the importance of getting operations back on track as soon as possible. With the shutdown's impact still unfolding, one thing is clear - the US airline industry will need to adapt quickly to mitigate the damage and ensure a smooth flying experience for travelers this holiday season.