The partial government shutdown in the US is now in its 32nd day. CNBC reported that this has forced 50,000 TSA (Transport Security Administration) staff to work without pay for the past month. Reportedly, about 10% failed to show up for work last Sunday.
Acting deputy TSA administrator Adam Stahl told Fox News: “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.”
The Department of Homeland Security reported on Tuesday that 366 TSA officers have quit their jobs since the shutdown began. Some workers have apparently resorted to taking on other jobs to fill the gap in their income.
Last Sunday, CEOs of major American airlines sent an open letter to Congress urging the government to stop playing “political football” with the air travel industry.
“TSA officers just received $0 paychecks. That is simply unacceptable,” they wrote.
The letter added that with spring break and the 2026 World Cup around the corner, US airlines are expecting “171 million passengers … a new record”. And yet, “too many travellers are having to wait in extraordinarily long lines at checkpoints. Wait times of 2, 3 and even 4 hours have been reported.”
The CEOs also mention that “93 percent” of constituents across the US “supported paying federal aviation workers during government shutdowns”, according to polling.
Gulf war: Transport, venue and catering costs could all rise
It’s a difficult time for the aviation industry in the US, which is also facing disruption due to the conflict in the Middle East. Routes through high-risk areas have been diverted, and the rising oil price due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has resulted in higher costs.
