Travel industry leaders in the US are warning that a recent partial government shutdown will impact airport staff, increasing the risk of delayed and missed flights.
On February 14, the US entered a partial shutdown due to a dispute about the funding of the US Department of Homeland Security and its agencies, including the Transport Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection. The US Congress is currently on a scheduled 10-day recess, until February 23, making it unlikely the shutdown will be resolved before then.
In a joint statement, US Travel, Airlines for America and the American Hotel & Lodging Association urged the government to expedite the resolution of the funding dispute to minimise the impact on the travel industry.
The associations pointed out that the shutdown would leave essential workers at the TSA without pay. The TSA is responsible for passenger screening and baggage inspection at all US airports.
“Travellers and the US economy cannot afford to have essential TSA personnel working without pay, which increases the risk of unscheduled absences and call outs and ultimately can lead to higher wait times and missed or delayed flights,” said the associations.
“Funding uncertainties create lasting damage to the entire travel ecosystem, especially the airlines, hotels and thousands of small businesses the travel industry supports. With America’s 250th anniversary and the 2026 World Cup this summer, the nation should be focused on showcasing the country on the world stage and maximising the multibillion-dollar economic opportunity these events bring. A lapse in TSA funding will significantly undermine those efforts.”
