Small airports at risk of closing

Troubles with TSA now have small airports at risk of closing. 22 News reporter Nick Antonakis joins us live in studio with the latest updates surrounding the situation. Julia, House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Tuesday that airports are nearing a breaking point because of the impact the partial government shutdown is having on TSA workers. Workers continue to clonk in without pay, causing many to call out sick or flat out quit, leading to staffing shortages around the country and extending lines and wait times in security. As of Wednesday afternoon, News Nation reported that around 4900 flights have been delayed and 285 cancelled in and out of the U. S. And the impact continues to be felt from travelers. Acting TSA Administrator Adam Stahl told News Nation quote. If this continues, we may have to quite literally shut down airports, particularly smaller ones. If call out rates go up when I reached out to Bradley International Airport that is technically considered a medium sized airport, they said quote. As of right now, there remains no impact to TSA operations at BDL amid the partial government shutdown. While the situation remains fluid, we do not anticipate the closure of the airport. Regardless, people flying out of Bradley are still anxious. It's an international airport, but you know, it's still small and accessible. So I think the longer a shutdown goes, the more it's going to affect people where where they least expect it. And you know, a vacation that's planned for months in advance might be something that shut down. Travelers at Bradley told me lines weren't too bad today, but can still get congested at times. Now, last week, TSA workers missed their first full paycheck as the partial shutdown continues to trudge on working for you. Nick Antonakis 22 News.