Airports And Government Shutdowns: Impact And Fallout

Airports are indeed affected by government shutdowns. In the US, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has warned that a government shutdown could disrupt air travel, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) estimating that it would have to furlough more than 17,000 employees and halt the training of 1,000 air traffic controllers in training. A shutdown could also lead to longer wait times at airports, as well as flight delays and cancellations due to reduced staffing. In the past, a shutdown has led to an increase in worker absences, with employees having to take on additional work or side jobs to support themselves and their families.

Longer screening times and wait times at airports

During a government shutdown, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security officers and air traffic controllers are among the government workers who would be required to keep working but without pay. This means that while air travel will continue, there will likely be longer screening times and wait times at airports.

Airports and the TSA have gotten busier and busier since the end of the coronavirus pandemic. The TSA screens an average of 2.5 million passengers each day, a figure that surpasses pre-pandemic travel totals. While the TSA will have airports staffed, it’s possible that the number of workers showing up to screen travellers will fall the longer they go without pay.

During the last government shutdown, which lasted 35 days from 22 December 2018 to 25 January 2019, the national rate of airport screener absences more than tripled from 3% to 10%. TSA officer call-outs increased by 200% to 300% at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, the second-busiest airport for North American passenger travel.

The TSA aims to meet wait time standards of 10 minutes or less for TSA PreCheck lanes and 30 minutes or less for standard screening lanes at security checkpoints. However, an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports.

To avoid longer wait times, travellers are advised to arrive at the airport earlier than usual.

Delays and cancellations due to air traffic controller shortages

Air traffic controllers are essential to ensuring the aviation industry operates efficiently and safely. A shortage of these personnel can cause significant disruptions to travel plans, as seen during the 2018-2019 partial government shutdown.

During that time, hundreds of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents called out sick, leading to longer wait times at airports. Similarly, air traffic controller shortages can cause flight delays and cancellations. This is because there are not enough controllers rostered to manage the airspace, leading to "restrictions" for aircraft wanting to take off and land.

In the United States, an air traffic controller shortage has persisted, with 77% of air traffic control facilities critical to the industry's daily operations short-staffed as of June 2023. This has resulted in delays at major hubs, such as Austin and Newark Liberty International Airport. The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that some controllers are being forced to work mandatory overtime and six-day workweeks, leading to concerns regarding fatigue and an uptick in safety-related incidents.

The shortage of air traffic controllers in the US stems from the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a record number of retirements and impacted the training of new personnel. While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been actively working to address the shortage, it is estimated that there will be 1,000 fewer fully certified air traffic controllers in the next ten years.

Furloughed employees and halted training

During a government shutdown, air traffic controllers and TSA employees are deemed essential workers and would be required to work without pay. This means that they would be furloughed, a situation where employees are working without remuneration. In the past, hundreds of TSA agents have called in sick during a shutdown, opting to find alternative work to support themselves and their families.

In addition, the training of new air traffic controllers would be halted. This is especially critical given the current nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers.

The furlough of essential workers and the halting of training programs could lead to severe delays when travelling by air. A TSA spokesperson warned that an extended shutdown could result in longer wait times at airports. This would be due to the reduced staff available, as well as the potential for employees to miss work.

The impact of a shutdown on airports and air travel could be significant, with the potential for disruptions to holiday travel plans and the broader travel economy.

Longer wait times at TSA checkpoints

During a government shutdown, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents and air traffic controllers are considered essential workers and will continue to work. However, they will be working without pay, which may lead to longer wait times at TSA checkpoints in airports.

In the event of a shutdown, 95% of TSA employees will work without pay. During the 2018-2019 government shutdown, which lasted 35 days, hundreds of TSA agents called out sick, sometimes leaving an insufficient number of agents to operate checkpoints. This could result in longer lines and delays at airport security checkpoints, especially during busy travel periods.

The My TSA application provides real-time updates on airport delays, allowing travellers to check and post delays, confirm permitted items, and access other travel tips. The TSA PreCheck® program also offers expedited screening in standard lanes for enrolled members. However, these hours are subject to change, and no passenger is guaranteed expedited screening.

To avoid longer wait times at TSA checkpoints during a government shutdown, travellers can consider the following:

• Allow for extra time when travelling, especially during busy holiday periods.
• Enrol in the TSA PreCheck® program to access expedited screening lanes or receive expedited screening in standard lanes.
• Utilise the My TSA application to stay informed about delays and plan travel accordingly.

Impact on the travel industry and broader economy

A government shutdown could have a significant impact on the travel industry and the broader economy. According to the U.S. Travel Association, a shutdown could cost the U.S. travel economy up to $140 million per day, with $36 million of that impacting the air travel industry. This includes declines in air, rail, and government-related business travel, as well as the closure of attractions such as national parks and museums.

During a government shutdown, air travel would be disrupted due to staff shortages and longer wait times. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees and air traffic controllers are considered essential workers and would be required to work without pay. In the past, a shutdown has led to an increase in employee absences and side jobs, causing further delays and cancellations. With air traffic controller ranks already facing a nationwide shortage, a shutdown could exacerbate the issue and result in longer wait times for travellers.

The impact of a shutdown would be felt beyond just the travel industry. For example, the IRS would stop most functions, meaning people wouldn't receive their tax refunds, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) would stop new loan approvals.

The effects of a shutdown would also extend to the training and hiring of new air traffic controllers, which would be put on hold. This could have a knock-on effect on the broader economy, as commercial aviation plays a vital role in supporting economic growth and jobs.

Overall, a government shutdown could result in severe disruptions to the travel industry and the broader economy, impacting millions of travellers, businesses, and federal workers nationwide.

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