The article discusses several factors impacting air travel, including the weather, closures, and strikes that disrupt travel plans. These include the U.S.’s new war with Iran, which has closed airspace and airports, and disruptions to major airline hub airports in Dubai (Emirates), Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. The partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) means Transportation Security Administration screeners are not receiving paid due to a shortage. Fuel prices are also increasing, with a 65 percent increase. Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst with Atmosphere Research, suggests that airlines are increasing fares and that larger airlines, like American, United and Delta, may be better insulated against the higher cost of jet fuel. The article also highlights the increasing cost of airfares and the increasing uncertainty of travel.