As thousands of the Rebbe’s shluchim prepare to converge on New York next week for the annual Kinus Hashluchim, organizers and travelers alike are watching closely how the ongoing U.S. government shutdown may affect flight schedules and airport operations.

The International Kinus Hashluchim conference, taking place 21 – 26 Cheshvan (November 12–17), is expected to draw more than 6,000 shluchim from around the world. The weeklong gathering offers the opportunity for shluchim to visit 770 and the Rebbe’s Ohel, attend workshops, seminars, and lectures, connect with fellow shluchim, and receive kochos from the Meshaleiach before returning to their posts across the globe, renewed in strength and spirit.

While flights remain operational, officials say that if the shutdown lasts, travelers could start seeing longer lines and more delays at major airports, including JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia – the main entry points for shluchim.

According to the FAA, nationwide cancellation rates are averaging 3–4%, slightly above normal. However, union representatives for air traffic controllers and TSA officers have warned that if the shutdown continues into late November, up to 10% of U.S. flights could face disruption due to staffing fatigue and overtime restrictions.

For now, the FAA, TSA, and Customs and Border Protection are operating as essential services, meaning airport screening and air traffic control remain functional. The most noticeable effects are longer security lines and minor scheduling adjustments by major carriers.

A senior airline operations manager told CNN this week that “travelers flying into New York should plan for possible delays, but not expect mass cancellations.”

Whether the shutdown will continue past next week remains uncertain. Negotiations in Washington are ongoing, and officials have not indicated a clear timeline for a resolution. If a deal is reached within days, the impact on travel will likely stay minimal; if not, disruptions could expand during the Kinus week.