The U.S. government shutdown has raised concerns over the disruption to air travel as airlines warn passengers to prepare for potential delays as thousands of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and air traffic controllers are working without pay.
At Miami International Airport, operations appeared normal hours after the first government shutdown in nearly seven years took effect on Wednesday, with commercial flights continuing to operate as scheduled as airline employees remain unaffected.
However, the main concern already centers around what could happen if the U.S. federal government shutdown drags on for many days or weeks.
Nationwide, nearly 60,000 TSA officers and over 13,000 air traffic controllers are now working without pay. These workers are considered essential, meaning they must report for duty despite the shutdown, but history shows the situation can deteriorate over time.
During the last major shutdown in 2018-2019 which lasted 35 days, more and more TSA officers took time off work as their financial hardships mounted. Some security checkpoints closed, leading to lengthy waiting times and frustration for passengers.
Travelers who were departing from the Miami International Airport on Wednesday gave their reaction to the latest situation.
"We're having a trip today, and we're really terrified. But from what I understand, the essential services are still going to be working. Hopefully, that's the air traffic controllers. We also have a strike, I think, in France tomorrow, and we're going to France, so we're worried about that, too," said passenger Carlos Fernandez.
"It hasn't impacted me as yet because it only happened last night. So I'm not sure how that would work out. I mean, so far it looks good, but from what they're saying, I'm assuming it's just going to get worse. It's sad that the shutdown has happened. You know, big boys playing politics, and the poor people suffer. History is repeating itself," said Dexter Seecharan, another traveler.
The U.S. Travel Association warns the shutdown could cost the economy up to one billion dollars per week. With the country already facing a critical shortage of air traffic controllers, hiring and training programs will continue using prior year funds.
Essential workers will receive back pay once Congress passes a funding bill, but until then the aviation system is dependent on thousands of people working without knowing how long they'll have to wait to get paid.
Many are hoping the political fallout can be resolved quickly, especially before the next major holiday comes around.
"I'm personally not happy with the government shutdown. I think the Democrats really need to play by the rules. And more importantly, it will impact and affect travel, given a lot of people like to travel. Thank God, it's not during a holiday season, but I'm not happy," said Ken Soltis, another traveler at the airport.
US airlines warn travelers to prepare for delays amid government shutdown
US airlines warn travelers to prepare for delays amid government shutdown
