The US air travel system faces a severe systemic crisis in April 2026 due to a 47-day DHS government shutdown impacting 50,000 unpaid TSA officers, record spring break passenger volumes (171 million expected March-April), surging jet fuel prices from Middle East conflict, and a cascading regional airline collapse. United Airlines has cut approximately 5% of Q2-Q3 flights, including red-eyes and routes to Dubai and Tel Aviv, while other airlines raise checked bag fees