By Ben Barry
A travel insider has warned that the government shutdown could disrupt Thanksgiving travel plans, as 10 percent of flights are cut.
Madison Rolley, 27, is a travel content creator who has spent the last three years sharing tips and tricks about the travel industry.
On November 7, 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration announced that it will be cutting 10 percent of flights at 40 major airports due to safety concerns.
It has been reported that Sunday was the worst day for travel disruption, with 2,800 cancellations and 10,200 delays.
Now, Madison warns the shutdown could disrupt Thanksgiving travel plans.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Madison Rolley (@madisonrolley)
Madison, from Nashville, Tennessee, said: “The number one question I have received is people worried about Thanksgiving travel.
“People are traveling for Thanksgiving and want to know if they will be OK, but we don’t know the answer to that until the shutdown comes to a close.
“As the shutdown continues, holiday travel could be disrupted.
“I am even hearing rumors that there could be a 20 percent reduction in flights if this continues.
“If the shutdown continues, we will see more of an issue with air traffic controllers.”
Millions of travelers have had their flights delayed or canceled due to the mandated 10 percent reduction in flights.
The Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy, has even warned that the worst is yet to come in the run-up to Thanksgiving.
Madison said: “It is definitely rough for travelers right now.
“My mom was due to fly to Phoenix on Sunday, had her flight canceled, and then rebooked with a 12-hour layover in Miami.
“All airlines are allowing you to cancel if you can be flexible with your booking.
“I would also recommend that to save your time and energy, you should postpone your flight.”
Posting on Truth Social, President Donald Trump has criticized air traffic controllers amid the ongoing shutdown.
He said those traffic controllers who don’t go back to work will have their pay “docked,” and those who continued to work throughout the shutdown, Trump will recommend they get a $10k bonus.
Madison said: “It is important to remember that this is not the airlines’ or traffic controllers’ fault.
“This is due to the government shutdown, and coming from a place of safety.
“It is important to remember that these reductions have come from a place of safety to make traveling as safe as possible.”
