Us Airport Shutdowns: Counting The Disruptions

While US airports have not completely shut down, government shutdowns have impacted airport operations. In 2019, a 35-day government shutdown resulted in longer checkpoint wait times at some airports due to increased absences by controllers and TSA officers, who were working without pay. Similarly, in 2024, a potential government shutdown threatened to disrupt air travel during the holiday season, with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) warning of longer wait times at airports. The impact of government shutdowns on airport operations highlights the essential role of air traffic controllers and TSA agents, who continue to work without pay to ensure the safety and security of air travel.

Air traffic controllers and TSA officers are deemed essential employees and will continue working without pay

In the event of a government shutdown, air traffic controllers and TSA officers are among the government workers who will continue working without pay. This is because they are deemed essential workers.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) defines "Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers" as those who may work from their office during a stay-at-home period. In the case of a partial government shutdown, about 59,000 of the TSA's 62,000 employees are considered essential and will continue to work without pay.

Air traffic controllers and TSA officers are crucial for ensuring safe travel and maintaining security at airports. Their work involves handling high volumes of travelers, screening passengers and baggage, and providing essential support for flight operations. During a shutdown, the absence of these essential workers can lead to longer wait times at airports and potentially disrupt flight operations.

In the past, during the 2019 government shutdown, the number of absences by controllers and TSA officers increased as workers missed paychecks. This, in turn, extended checkpoint wait times at some airports. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was forced to slow down air traffic, putting pressure on lawmakers to end the shutdown.

It is important to recognize that while air traffic controllers and TSA officers are deemed essential, they do not receive compensation during a shutdown. This can create financial hardships for these workers, potentially impacting their morale and performance. The government's decision to continue operations without paying these essential workers highlights the challenging situation that arises during a shutdown, where maintaining critical services takes precedence over the immediate financial well-being of the workforce.

Longer wait times at airports

While there is no direct mention of US airports shutting down, there is a mention of how a government shutdown could lead to longer wait times at airports.

A government shutdown could lead to longer wait times at airports, as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which handles airport security screening, would be impacted. In the event of a shutdown, about 59,000 of the TSA's 62,000 employees are considered essential and would continue working without pay. This includes air traffic controllers and TSA officers, who are crucial for ensuring safe travel.

During the 2019 government shutdown, which lasted 35 days, the number of absences by controllers and TSA officers increased as workers missed paychecks. This resulted in extended checkpoint wait times at some airports, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was forced to slow down air traffic.

The head of the TSA, David Pekoske, warned that a similar extended shutdown could again lead to longer wait times. This is especially concerning given that the TSA expects to screen a record 40 million passengers over the holidays.

The potential for longer wait times is further exacerbated by other factors, such as the pandemic-era hits to the workforce and the addition of more flights to already congested airports. For example, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has been struggling with a heavy load and a shortage of air traffic controllers due to previous shutdowns and pandemic-related issues.

Impact of longer wait times

The impact of longer wait times at airports can be significant. Firstly, it can cause inconvenience and delays for travellers, affecting their plans and potentially leading to missed flights or connections. Secondly, it can create a ripple effect of disruptions throughout the entire aviation system, including flight delays and cancellations.

Additionally, longer wait times can put pressure on TSA employees, who are already dealing with high volumes of travellers. This can potentially impact their performance and increase the risk of errors or security breaches.

To mitigate these issues, it is crucial for the government to reach a funding deal and avoid extended shutdowns. By ensuring that TSA employees are properly compensated for their essential work, wait times can be reduced, and the efficiency and safety of air travel can be maintained.

Furloughing of FAA employees and halting of air traffic controller training

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has a large number of employees who are considered essential and would be required to work without pay in the event of a government shutdown. This includes air traffic controllers and TSA officers. During the 2019 government shutdown, which lasted 35 days, air traffic controllers and TSA officers went without pay, and the number of absences rose as workers missed paychecks. This resulted in extended checkpoint wait times at some airports, and the FAA was forced to slow air traffic.

In the event of an extended shutdown, the FAA estimates that it would have to furlough more than 17,000 employees and halt the training of air traffic controllers. This would likely lead to longer wait times at airports, as the TSA Administrator, David Pekoske, warned in 2024.

The FAA has been facing a longstanding decline in its air traffic controller workforce, and in 2024, it exceeded its goal of hiring 1,800 controllers, with a final total of 1,811. The agency currently has more than 14,000 controllers, with around 3,400 in various stages of training. However, this is still not enough to meet the demand, and there is a serious shortage of air traffic controllers nationwide.

The FAA has taken steps to address this issue, such as signing agreements with Tulsa Community College and the University of Oklahoma to train new hires, and continuously recruiting controllers with prior air traffic experience from the military and private industry. However, the training and hiring process takes time, and in the event of an extended government shutdown, the furlough of FAA employees and the halting of air traffic controller training would only exacerbate the existing staffing shortages and further impact airport operations and wait times.

Increase in controller absences during the 2019 shutdown

During the 35-day government shutdown of 2018–2019, the number of absences by controllers and TSA officers rose as workers missed paychecks. According to former House Transportation and Infrastructure Chair Peter DeFazio, the 2019 shutdown caused a number of air traffic controllers to leave the agency. DeFazio also noted that the shutdown, along with the pandemic, contributed to a shortage of air traffic controllers.

The shutdown led to a significant increase in unscheduled absences among TSA agents, with the national rate reaching 10%, compared to just over 3% the previous year. The "sick out" resulted in long lines at airports, with wait times exceeding an hour in some places, and forced the temporary closure of terminals at Miami and Houston airports.

The impact of the 2019 shutdown on air traffic controllers was significant. It disrupted the agency's hiring and training of new controllers and led some controllers to retire early, exacerbating the existing shortage of fully certified controllers. During the shutdown, it only took 10 air traffic controllers calling in sick to temporarily halt travel at LaGuardia Airport in New York City and cause delays at several international airports.

The increase in controller absences during the 2019 shutdown had far-reaching consequences, causing significant flight delays and cancellations. The situation became so severe that it was cited as a “contributing catalyst” to the end of the shutdown, as lawmakers faced pressure to resolve the standoff.

The effect of the government shutdown on holiday travel

The effects of a government shutdown on holiday travel can be significant, causing disruptions and inconvenience for travellers. While commercial airplanes continue to operate during a shutdown, travellers can expect longer wait times at airports due to reduced staffing and potential delays in air traffic control. Here's a more detailed look at the potential impacts:

Longer Lines and Delays: An extended government shutdown can result in longer lines and delays at airports. This is primarily due to a reduction in staffing as many Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and air traffic controllers are required to work without pay. During the 2019 government shutdown, the TSA experienced an increase in employee absences as workers missed paychecks, leading to extended checkpoint wait times at some airports. Similarly, a shutdown in 2024 was predicted to cause longer lines as the TSA expected to screen a record 40 million passengers during the holidays.

Air Traffic Control Impact: Government shutdowns can affect air traffic control services, which are crucial for the safe and efficient flow of air traffic. During a shutdown, air traffic controllers are deemed essential employees and are required to work without pay. However, as seen in the 2019 shutdown, callout and absences by controllers can occur, leading to potential snarls in air traffic. This can result in flight delays or even cancellations as air traffic is slowed to manage the situation.

Airlines Operations: While airlines continue to operate during a shutdown, they may experience disruptions and challenges. Airlines plan their schedules and operations based on expected demand and efficient use of resources. A shutdown can impact their ability to maintain smooth operations, especially with potential delays caused by air traffic control staffing issues. Additionally, with essential employees working without pay, there may be morale issues that could indirectly affect travellers.

Passenger Inconvenience: Ultimately, the impact of a government shutdown falls on travellers who may experience longer lines, delayed or cancelled flights, and overall travel inconvenience. This is especially true during the holiday season when many people are travelling to be with their families. Passengers may need to factor in extra time at the airport to account for potential delays and should remain patient and cooperative with airport and airline staff.

Financial Impact: Government shutdowns can also have a financial impact on the aviation industry. Airlines may face additional costs due to disruptions and delays, which can affect their bottom line. Additionally, with a reduced number of TSA officers and air traffic controllers, there may be an increased risk of security breaches or safety incidents, which could further impact the industry financially.

In summary, a government shutdown can have significant effects on holiday travel, causing longer lines, delays, and disruptions for travellers. It is essential for travellers to stay informed, plan accordingly, and be prepared for potential challenges during their holiday journeys.

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