DHS shutdown: Some airports could close, TSA official says
The partial shutdown is causing major hours-long backlogs for travelers, but it could get much worse, claims a top Transportation Security Administration official.
Adam Stahl, acting deputy administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, said the lack of security screeners showing for work may soon lead to the closure of some airports.
The partial shutdown is now into its second month.
“Frankly, there’s not much else we can do. 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,” he said today in an interview on Fox.
Stahl said the team of relief staff sent to airports to cover absences, is already ‘fully depleted.’
The 50,000-plus TSA officers agents are working without pay.
It comes amid the busy spring break travel season and the upcoming Easter holiday.
While some airports are coping, others have been forced to shut down security lines due to understaffing such as Philadelphia International.
Atlanta reports more than 20% absenteeism among TSA officers.
Last weekend, airline CEOs sent a letter to Congress urging legislation to guarantee pay for TSA, air traffic control and CBP officers during government shutdowns.
The worst affected airports have reported security screening lines exceeding three hours.
More than 300 TSA officers have quit since the shutdown began last month.
“These numbers illustrate the severe operational strain caused by the shutdown, underscoring the urgent need for resolution to restore stability, morale, and security at America’s airports,” Homeland Security said.
Related News Stories: Global Entry program restarts as DHS partial shutdown continues USA government shutdown costs weekly 1 billion USD for the travel ... Winter storm triggers further massive flight cancellations in Canada ...
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025
U.S.A. and Israel attacks on Iran impact air movements in the Gulf (Update 1.00pm CET)
Global tourism exceeds 1.5 billion travelers announces UN-Tourism