Passengers wait at a security check-in line at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. (AP Photo/Shafkat Anowar)
The letter warned that the longer the government is shut down, the more money the travel economy will lose, leading to negative downstream economic effects. Additionally, the letter, signed by nearly 500 travel and tourism industry organizations, warned that the longer the shutdown remains, the more strain airports will face from staffing shortages, which, if exacerbated further, could lead to major "chaos" as families try to fly for the Thanksgiving holiday.
"Last year, during Thanksgiving week, over 20 million passengers took flights in the United States," the letter to congressional leaders states. "Thanksgiving is not only a time of national tradition and family connection, but also one of the most economically important travel weeks of the year.
"Travel spending during the holiday generates billions of dollars in economic activity, supporting jobs, local tax bases, and small businesses nationwide. A continued shutdown is likely to significantly suppress travel demand and spending, creating a real threat to American workers, businesses, and the overall economy.
FAA'S REDUCTION PLAN EXPECTED TO IMPACT THOUSANDS OF FLIGHTS ACROSS 40 AIRPORTS
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced this week that his agency would order a 10% cut in flights across 40 major U.S. airports, citing air traffic controller shortages and safety concerns ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.; Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
"All government shutdowns are irresponsible, and this decision underscores the urgent need to reopen the government," Freeman added. "The shutdown is putting unnecessary strain on the system, forcing difficult operational decisions that disrupt travel and damage confidence in the U.S. air travel experience. The fault for this situation rests squarely at the feet of Congress."
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/travel-industry-sounds-alarm-over-how-shutdown-will-impact-americans-ahead-thanksgiving