Extended Partial U.S. Government Shutdown Could Impact Airport Wait Times

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The head of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) warned that an extended partial U.S. government shutdown could result in longer wait times at airports.

TSA, responsible for airport security screening, stated that around 59,000 of its 62,000 employees are designated as essential and would continue working without pay if the shutdown begins on Saturday, pending a government funding agreement.

Air traffic controllers and TSA officers will also be required to work without pay.

TSA Administrator David Pekoske noted on social media, "While our personnel are prepared to handle high volumes of travelers and ensure safe travel, please be aware that an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports."

The agency anticipates screening a record 40 million passengers over the holiday season, following record numbers during Thanksgiving.

Without a financial agreement, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) forecasts that over 17,000 employees may be furloughed, and training for air traffic controllers would cease.

During the 2019 government shutdown lasting 35 days, absences among controllers and TSA officers increased due to missed paychecks, leading to extended airport wait times in some locations, while the FAA had to slow air traffic, intensifying pressure on lawmakers to resolve the impasse.