The longest-ever government shutdown this fall lasted 43 days and severely impacted air travel, from millions of delays and cancelations to hours-long waits at security.
Though that chaos has concluded, aviation still isn’t stress-free for travelers. There’s still a shortage of air traffic controllers, while the powers that be are more focused on cracking down on flyers wearing pajamas, and installing pull-up bars in airports.
With a multi-national tournament, there will be much criss-crossing countries. After the World Cup draw, we know fans of Croatia, Germany, and Japan will have to cross international borders at least twice if they are to catch all their teams’ games.
As we approach the holidays and many people’s minds are on taking to the skies to get home for festive celebrations, this episode flies ahead to next summer’s aviation picture. What could go right and wrong? How can fans stay sane as they navigate the airways across the North American expanse, and the inevitable delays and disruptions—and hope for no more shutdowns?
Talib talks to Darryl Campbell, an author and an aviation journalist at The Verge, to find out more.
00:00 Introduction to the Impact of Government Shutdown on Air Travel
01:49 World Cup 2026: Air Travel Challenges
03:28 Interview with Aviation Expert Darryll Campbell
04:49 Darryll Campbell on Government Shutdown Effects
07:09 Air Travel During the World Cup: What to Expect
10:12 Navigating International and Domestic Travel
14:21 Potential Risks and Delays in Air Travel
21:45 Final Thoughts and Tips for Travelers
