Travel
Travelers At O'Hare Experience Delays As Some U.S. Airspace Could Close Due To Government Shutdown
Closing airspace is what the Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said is a possibility if they don't reach an agreement soon.
Updated on: November 5, 2025
The government shutdown is now the longest in U.S. history, now on its 35th day after a 14th failed vote in the Senate to end it.
Find out what's happening in Chicagofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Some in Congress are signaling that enough is enough, hinting that a deal could be coming to reopen the government. Until a deal is reached, there are fears the travel impact could get worse.
Closing airspace is what the Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said is a possibility if they don't reach an agreement soon. Aviation experts said that would be an unprecedented step, but it's one they might have to take if air traffic controllers don't get paid or show up to work.
