Published on November 26, 2025
As Thanksgiving draws near, airports nationwide will face a number of unforeseen difficulties in addition to the customary spike in holiday travel. This also applies to Charleston International Airport (CHS), one of South Carolina’s busiest airports. However, travelers should prepare for even more disruptions than normal this year. Travelers are finding the holiday season especially stressful due to a combination of flight cancellations, delays, and general system inefficiencies. Many are wondering how the travel chaos of the season will impact their plans.
Both the typical seasonal increase in travel and more general systemic problems are the cause of the disruption. Significant staffing issues have already arisen in U.S. airports due to a severe shortage of air traffic controllers, which was made worse by a government shutdown. Like many other large airports, Charleston is under pressure. Although there are fewer direct cancellations at CHS than at larger hubs, passengers travelling through Charleston are experiencing cascading delays and cancellations as a result of the chaos at airports like Charlotte Douglas and Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta.

Why Charleston Travellers Should Be Concerned

Even though Charleston International Airport is not directly impacted by the federal flight cuts—despite being a key connection point for travelers flying through major hubs—those passing through CHS may still face significant delays. The ripple effect from the widespread flight cancellations and delays at larger airports like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Orlando can cause havoc for passengers with connecting flights through CHS.
For instance, if a flight from New York to Atlanta is delayed or cancelled due to staffing shortages or air traffic issues, passengers connecting through Charleston will likely experience delays in their journey. Similarly, inbound flights to Charleston may be delayed or cancelled because of problems at other airports, causing frustration for passengers arriving and departing CHS.

Furthermore, travelers departing from CHS may find themselves stuck on the tarmac for extended periods. For example, one recent traveller at CHS described how their flight was delayed by hours as planes backed up, waiting for clearance to depart, even after boarding was completed. With so many flights delayed at major airports, passengers on connecting flights may experience a chain reaction of delays that ultimately push their arrival times well beyond their original schedules.

Understanding the Scope of the Problem

The root cause of many of these disruptions stems from ongoing staffing issues within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the broader government shutdown. As air traffic controllers were required to work without pay during the shutdown, the FAA issued a nationwide flight reduction order, impacting major airports across the country. This decision was initially set to reduce the number of flights by as much as 10% at around 40 airports in the U.S., including some of the busiest in the country. Although Charleston was not immediately listed among those worst-hit airports, the wider ripple effect of flight reductions and cancellations still impacted local air travel, especially given the high volume of passengers using CHS to connect through larger hubs.

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According to data from the FAA, the flight reductions at airports nationwide were expected to cut more than 1,800 flights and reduce the availability of over 268,000 seats in total. Although the FAA began to lift some of these restrictions as staffing levels improved, delays were still widespread. For example, at CHS, there were at least seven flight cancellations and seven delayed departures on one day alone, with numerous delays also impacting incoming flights. The delays were attributed to the same cascading effect seen across airports nationwide.

Key Travel Tips for Thanksgiving 2025

For anyone planning to fly through Charleston this Thanksgiving, the message is clear: prepare for delays and give yourself extra time at the airport. While Charleston itself may not face the worst of the problems, travelers should still plan for the worst and hope for the best.
1. Arrive Early:
Given the widespread delays already being reported, it’s advisable to arrive at least two hours before your scheduled flight. This is especially important as security lines and parking shuttles are expected to take longer due to the increased volume of passengers and staff shortages. Parking spaces are likely to fill up quickly, so arriving early will also give you a better chance of securing a spot.
2. Monitor Flight Status Regularly:
With the current state of the aviation system, flight schedules are subject to change without much notice. Passengers flying through CHS should regularly check their flight status through their airline’s app or the Charleston International Airport’s live flight status page. This will help passengers stay updated on any potential delays or cancellations, enabling them to plan accordingly.
3. Be Flexible with Your Plans:
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, be prepared for long waits and possible rescheduling. Many airlines are offering more flexible rebooking options to accommodate passengers affected by delays. However, if you’re travelling through CHS on a connecting flight, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your connecting flight’s status as well.
4. Have a Contingency Plan:
While it’s not ideal, some travelers may find themselves stuck at the airport longer than expected. In these situations, it’s helpful to have a backup plan in place. Know where nearby hotels are located and consider purchasing travel insurance that covers delays and cancellations.
5. Pack Light and Efficiently:
Since the airport will likely be busier than usual, packing efficiently will save time during security screening. It’s also wise to pack light so you don’t waste time waiting for checked bags at your destination.

Broader Impact on the Travel Industry

As one of the busiest travel periods of the year, Thanksgiving is already a challenging time for passengers. However, the added strain of staffing issues and flight reductions means that this year’s holiday travel experience could be more stressful than ever before. In addition to the difficulties at Charleston, major airlines and travel companies are bracing for the ongoing impacts of the FAA’s staffing shortages.
With millions of Americans expected to travel by air this Thanksgiving, any additional delays or cancellations are likely to overwhelm the system. As the travel industry struggles to cope with both an unprecedented demand for flights and an ongoing shortage of qualified personnel, the overall experience for passengers may continue to deteriorate.

What Charleston Travelers Can Expect

In conclusion, travel through Charleston International Airport on Thanksgiving 2025 is anticipated to be difficult, particularly in light of the nationwide staffing shortages impacting the aviation sector. Passengers are likely to encounter delays and disruptions due to the ripple effect from other airports, even though Charleston might not be directly affected by flight reductions.
It is advisable for travelers to plan ahead, allow ample time, and be ready for the potential of lengthy wait times, cancellations, or rebookings. Passengers can reduce stress and increase the likelihood of a more seamless travel experience by being adaptable and keeping a close eye on flight statuses. In the end, travelers departing from Charleston should anticipate a potentially difficult holiday season, but these can be handled with careful preparation.
The best advice for anyone flying out of Charleston International Airport as Thanksgiving draws near is to be ready for anything, maintain composure in the face of difficulty, and make the most of the holiday season given the circumstances.

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Tags: Charleston International Airport delays, Charleston travel delays, FAA staffing shortage 2025, Thanksgiving travel Charleston

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