Officials cite rising absentee rates and staffing shortages as risks grow during peak travel season
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Federal officials warned Tuesday that continued funding delays could lead to the closure of some smaller U.S. airports, as staffing shortages within the Transportation Security Administration intensify during the ongoing government shutdown.
A senior administration official said the partial shutdown, now in its 31st day, has left approximately 50,000 TSA officers working without pay, contributing to rising absenteeism across major travel hubs.
Acting Deputy TSA Administrator Adam Stahl said the situation could worsen if the standoff continues.
“As the weeks continue, if this continues, it’s not hyperbole to suggest that we may have to quite literally shut down airports — particularly smaller ones if callout rates go up,” Stahl said during an appearance on Fox News’ “Fox and Friends.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson said airports are “reaching a breaking point,” as the shutdown disrupts operations during a high-demand travel period. Airline executives have also called for a resolution, warning of broader impacts on the nation’s aviation system.
Attendance among TSA officers has declined sharply. While typical absentee rates are below 2%, officials reported that approximately 10% of officers failed to report for duty on Sunday. At major airports including Atlanta, New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Houston, absence rates have reached around 20% since mid-February.
The Department of Homeland Security said 366 TSA officers have left their positions during the shutdown. Absences spiked further over the weekend, exceeding 50% in Houston and more than 30% in New Orleans and Atlanta, contributing to extended security lines that in some cases stretched to two hours or longer.
The funding lapse began Feb. 13 after Congress failed to reach agreement on immigration enforcement measures. Efforts by lawmakers from both parties to pass funding legislation have not succeeded.
Air travel demand remains high despite the disruption. Airlines are projecting approximately 171 million passengers will fly during the spring travel season, an increase of about 4% compared to the same period last year.
Airports have responded by closing some security checkpoints and seeking ways to support unpaid TSA workers, including efforts to provide food and essential supplies.
Officials said that without a resolution to the funding impasse, operational challenges could escalate, particularly at smaller airports with fewer staffing reserves.
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