Over the weekend, many airports canceled flights because of the shortage of employees, especially air traffic controllers, who stopped working. Without pay, many are quitting or not showing up. 

 Todd Walker, who had his flight canceled, said, “All of this has real negative consequences for millions of Americans, and it’s 100% unnecessary and avoidable.” 

 With the holiday season approaching—a busy time for travel—many are concerned that cancellations will disrupt plans, and some have already been stranded at airports. 

People have had to come up with out-of-the-box plans to make it to their destinations when their flights are canceled. People have started using one-way rental cars, trains, and various travel options to get to their destinations. 

Secretary of Transport, Sean Duffy, said, “If this doesn’t open, you might have airlines that say, ‘We’re going to ground our planes. We’re not going to fly anymore,’ that’s how serious this is.”  

 Even though the government shutdown has ended, there are estimated to be lasting effects on the airports. Flights are still being shut down because of the lack of air traffic controllers. Workers aren’t paid during a government shutdown, forcing them to find other ways to pay bills. 

 President Donald Trump posted on social media, calling workers to “get back to work, NOW!!!” He also called for a $10,000 bonus to those who stayed, and docking the pay for those who didn’t. 

 The effects of the government shutdown are causing many people to stress about their Holiday plans because of the flights being cancelled. It likely won’t stop immediately after the shutdown ends, but it is expected that fewer flights will be canceled once the government reopens.