The United States federal government shutdown today, Oct. 1, raising concerns about the FAA, TSA, air travel, airports, and flights. Here’s what to know about potential impacts.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) define most of their employees as essential, which requires them to work despite a government shutdown, while other federal agency workers are furloughed.
Airport screeners, air traffic controllers, federal air marshals, safety inspectors and other workers with both agencies are expected to continue working — without pay throughout the shutdown — until such time the government is again funded.
Caleb Harmon-Marshall, a former TSA officer, told CBS News, “TSA officers are expected to continue to report to work. But in the past, if a shutdown exceeds two weeks, officers start to get frantic, and they stop going to work,” he said, adding that agency personnel may call in sick and even seek other job opportunities if a shutdown persists. 
The impact of less TSA officers manning checkpoints could mean longer wait times.
Erik Hansen, senior vice president of government relations at the U.S. Travel Association noted “What we’ve seen in the past when the government shuts down is that airports slow down and our economy slows down with it.” 
Passenger flights continue despite the goverment shutdown as essential workers like TSA agents at security checkpoints and the FAA workers providing flight clearences are still required to work.
The federal shutdown would put federal funding on hold for these agencies, including Customs and Border Protection. This means they work without pay and any additional hiring or training would be put on hold until a funding resolution is passed.
However, the shutdown’s effects may include longer lines and longer wait times at the airports. Passengers should plan accordingly.
“While our personnel have prepared to handle high volumes of travelers and ensure the security of our transportation systems, an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports,” a TSA spokesperson told USA TODAY in December when a previous shutdown loomed.
In 2019, FAA controllers and TSA agents stopped showing up for work, causing flight delays and long lines.

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