Travel Flash Report

TRAVEL FLASH - November 26, 2025

Breaking: Record U.S. Thanksgiving Travel Strains Airports as Post-Shutdown Recovery Faces Winter Storms

TOP 3 STORIES:
1. U.S. airports brace for the busiest Thanksgiving travel period in 15 years, with over 52,000 flights scheduled and 17.8 million passengers expected to pass through TSA checkpoints. Travel professionals should prepare for extended wait times, operational bottlenecks, and increased customer service demands as airlines and airports work to stabilize after the recent government shutdown[1][2][3][4].

2. Severe winter weather threatens major Midwest and Northeast hubs, compounding delays and cancellations already heightened by staffing shortages. Travelers and agents are advised to monitor weather alerts closely, encourage flexible itineraries, and proactively communicate with clients about potential disruptions and rebooking options[2][3].

3. Belgium’s three-day airport strike halts all departures from Brussels Airport on November 26, causing ripple effects for transatlantic and European connections. Airlines and travel managers should reroute affected passengers and anticipate further disruptions at Charleroi and other regional airports, with some arrivals also canceled[5].

Flash Insight: The convergence of record travel demand, lingering post-shutdown staffing gaps, and early-season winter storms is testing the resilience of global aviation networks. U.S. and European airports are under acute pressure, highlighting the need for robust contingency planning and real-time communication with travelers. As operational stress peaks, travel professionals who leverage technology for proactive alerts and flexible rebooking will deliver the most value to clients navigating this turbulent holiday season.

[1] https://www.foxla.com/news/los-angeles-holiday-travel-rush-2025.amp
[2] https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/thanksgiving-2025-how-to-survive-the-record-breaking-travel-chaos-in-the-us-amid-post-shutdown-disruptions-winter-storms-and-packed-airports-expert-tips-for-beating-the-rush-in-major-cities-like-n/
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm5eUt1Q5t0
[4] https://mb.ntd.com/faa-prepared-for-busiest-thanksgiving-travel-in-15-years_1109653.html
[5] https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/belgium-3-day-strike-airports-disruptions