The Fox News Rundown Evening Edition: Will The Government Shutdown Ruin Your Holiday Travel Plans?
Nov 6, 2025
Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, tackles the pressing issue of the government shutdown's impact on holiday travel. He highlights the looming reduction of air travel capacity by 10% at 40 major U.S. airports due to staffing shortages. Freeman urges travelers to voice their concerns to lawmakers, explaining the ripple effects on Thanksgiving plans and potential shifts to alternative transportation. With pressure mounting, he discusses the long-term challenges of recruiting air traffic controllers, emphasizing the urgent need for resolution.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Shutdown Creates Holiday Travel Uncertainty
- The shutdown is creating staffing shortages in TSA and air traffic control that raise travel uncertainty over the holidays.
- Geoff Freeman calls this a man-made crisis that risks lasting damage to travel reliability and demand.
Shortages Can Become Long-Term
- Reduced staffing and unpaid essential workers can discourage recruits and prompt current staff to leave.
- Freeman warns shortages (3,000 controllers short already) will have lasting operational consequences.
Push Lawmakers To End The Shutdown
- Contact your members of Congress and demand they end the shutdown to protect holiday travel plans.
- Freeman urges travelers to log calls, send letters, and apply pressure on Capitol Hill now.