The Trump Effect: Borders, Bans and Bookings

The move is the latest escalation in rising tensions between the U.S. and China. U.S. airlines have long lobbied for the restrictions, arguing that Chinese carriers had an unfair advantage.

While Delta said impacts from the shutdown have been minimal, delays at airports across the U.S. continued to pile up as the shutdown entered its ninth day.

The risk that funding would run out had created uncertainty for regional carriers that receive subsidies.

The annual Incentive Travel Index, released this week at IMEX, reflects mounting concerns around rising costs and global instability, along with “shrinking optimism.”

Airports across the country started reporting delays as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said there had been a “slight tick up” in sick calls among air traffic controllers.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he is concerned that absenteeism among air traffic controllers could increase if they miss their paycheck next week.

It’s getting more costly to visit the U.S. after three new fees on international travelers went into effect, with another significant fee hike in the pipeline. Some worry the new fees could curb visitation rates for 2026 events like the FIFA World Cup.

It’s been a weak summer for international travel. A government shutdown could add more bottlenecks to inbound tourism's recovery.

Currently the impact to travel is minimal, but if the shutdown stretches for weeks, travelers may start to see long lines at the airport, flight delays, and litter all over national parks.

The airline industry said that there could be a slowdown in operations if the government shuts down. However, it so far seems unlikely that Congress will have a deal before midnight.