Washington [US]: The United States government shutdown has now entered its 34th day, further straining operations at airports nationwide as air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and other essential federal employees continue to work without pay, CNN reported.
Many air traffic controllers have started missing shifts or taking on side jobs to cover living expenses, resulting in widespread flight delays and lengthy queues at major airports. Passengers are growing increasingly worried about the safety and reliability of air travel amid the ongoing disruption.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, told CNN News Central that the prolonged shutdown is severely impacting staff morale and overall safety.
“Each passing day makes the system less safe,” Daniels said. “We’re expected to perform flawlessly, but right now, I’m heading to work wondering how I’ll pay my rent.”
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged that the delays are precautionary, meant to maintain safety despite a shrinking workforce.
“There’s no question the shutdown adds risk,” Duffy told CNBC. “If conditions became unsafe, we would close the airspace entirely. We’re not there yet, but the delays are substantial.”
Airports in major hubs such as Chicago, Denver, Houston, and Newark have been hit particularly hard, with significant ground delays reported. At Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport, TSA screening times have stretched up to three hours because of staffing shortages.
Keith Jeffries, vice president of K2 Security Screening Group and former TSA federal security director at Los Angeles International Airport, said absenteeism is likely to increase.
“TSA call-outs will keep rising because frontline employees are having to make tough financial choices,” Jeffries explained.
Mike McCormick, assistant professor of Air Traffic Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, noted that while safety concerns are valid, controllers are handling the crisis responsibly.
“If controllers report to work while unable to focus fully, that poses a safety risk,” McCormick said. “What we’re seeing, though, is that many are choosing to stay home when they can’t give 100%, which ironically helps keep the system safer.”
Erik Hansen, senior vice president of government relations at the U.S. Travel Association, said the shutdown is damaging the reliability of the nation’s aviation network.
“Safety will never be compromised, but predictability certainly has been,” Hansen said. “Americans are losing confidence in their ability to travel on time.”
