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Week three of the government shutdown is colliding with one of Austin’s busiest travel weekends, but airport officials say operations at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport remain smooth. (Photo: CBS Austin)
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AUSTIN, Texas — Week three of the government shutdown is colliding with one of Austin’s busiest travel weekends, but airport officials say operations at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport remain smooth.
Airport officials say they’re staying in close contact with their federal partners and monitoring developments across the country. With heavy travel volumes expected all weekend, they’re urging passengers to give themselves extra time to make their flights — at least two and a half hours before domestic departures and three hours for international travel.
With thousands of race fans heading to Austin for the Formula 1 weekend, ABIA is bracing for multiple high-travel days.
“I could have made a boat ton of money if I had given up my seats, but I was trying to get back to the house,” said traveler David Matthews.
During busy travel days, airport staff activate what’s called the Department Operations Center on busy travel days. The center brings together divisions across the airport to coordinate in real time and respond quickly to any issues that arise.
“We also have extra staff here in the terminal that help people with wayfinding if they have any questions, and with line management,” said Samantha Rojas, public information specialist senior with ABIA.
Rojas said the airport is also monitoring potential impacts from the federal shutdown.
Earlier this week, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a multiple-hour ground delay for arriving flights due to staffing issues.
“As the government shutdown progresses, the likelihood of delays for AUS travelers may increase,” she said.
The concern comes as tens of thousands of air traffic controllers and TSA agents received their first incomplete paycheck this week.
“They are now working to ensure that travelers reach their destination safely with zero pay,” said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas.
Cruz, who previously fought for increased funding to air traffic control in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, announced a new proposal Friday to ensure essential workers continue to be paid during future shutdowns.
ALSO | Air traffic controllers urge lawmakers to end shutdown as holiday travel threats loom
“The Keep America Flying Act would pay air traffic controllers and TSA agents, along with other essential personnel,” Cruz said.
Despite the uncertainty in Washington, many travelers at Austin’s airport said their experience has been positive.
“Honestly, this has been a really smooth travel day for me,” said Varian Shrum, another traveler. “I was coming from Charlotte and had no delays, smooth flight.”
Airport officials say Monday is once again expected to be the busiest travel day of the year following the Formula 1 weekend, with more than 44,000 passengers projected to fly out of Austin.
