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Federal Shutdown Could Keep Airports Open but Slows Security and Flights

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, November 10th 2025 at 20:57 GMT by WYFF

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How a Federal Government Shutdown Could Shake Up U.S. Airports

The prospect of a federal government shutdown has already rattled airlines, travelers and airport operators alike. A recent feature on WYFF4—“Impacts of a Federal Government Shutdown on Airports” (link: https://www.wyff4.com/article/impacts-federal-government-shutdown-airports/69366799)—outlines how a lapse in federal funding can ripple through the entire aviation ecosystem, from security checkpoints to air traffic control towers.

1. TSA: The First Line of Defense

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the most visible federal agency at any airport. Under a shutdown, the TSA remains an “essential service,” meaning that the agency can keep its security checkpoints open but with a smaller workforce. The TSA’s own website (https://www.tsa.gov/) explains that in a shutdown scenario, TSA staff can be kept working under a “Critical Services” designation, but overtime and new hires are put on hold.

The WYFF4 article notes that a previous 35‑day shutdown in 2018‑19 caused security wait times to climb by an average of 10‑15 minutes at major U.S. airports, including Washington Dulles and Reagan National. While TSA personnel continue to check bags and run metal detectors, the reduced staffing leads to longer lines and a higher risk of missed flights for passengers.

2. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

CBP is another key federal presence at international terminals. In a shutdown, CBP’s “essential services” designation ensures that passport control and customs inspection remain open, but with fewer officers available. The article cites CBP’s own policy page (https://www.cbp.gov/) which says that non‑essential personnel will be furloughed, potentially causing longer wait times for travelers crossing borders.

Airports that handle a large volume of international traffic—such as the Pentagon’s “Military Airport” or the DC International Airport—could see a noticeable slowdown at customs lanes during a shutdown.

3. The FAA: The Backbone of Air Traffic

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) manages air traffic control, aircraft certification, and runway maintenance. According to FAA guidance (https://www.faa.gov/), the agency is classified as essential, meaning flight dispatch and air traffic control towers can remain staffed. However, the FAA’s “Essential Services” policy also states that the agency will continue operations but may reduce flight‑monitoring staff.

The article highlights that during the 2018‑19 shutdown, FAA controllers had to manage increased traffic without additional support, leading to minor delays at busy hubs. Additionally, runway inspections and maintenance—particularly for airports that rely on federal contracts for safety upgrades—could be postponed, potentially affecting long‑term operational readiness.

4. Local Airport Authorities and Private Operators

Most U.S. airports are operated by local authorities or private entities. These bodies—such as the Washington Airports Council (WAC) (https://www.washingtonairports.org/) and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA)—manage the day‑to‑day operations of Reagan National, Dulles, and National. While they control retail, parking and concessions, they still rely on federal funding for many infrastructure projects.

The WYFF4 report explains that a shutdown could delay major construction projects—such as runway expansions or terminal renovations—because federal grant money might be paused. Moreover, some airports may need to reduce staff or services at their own expense while waiting for federal funds to resume.

5. Airline Operations and Crew Scheduling

Airlines are not federal agencies, but they depend heavily on TSA and FAA for the ability to move passengers. A shutdown can lead to reduced flight schedules, delayed takeoffs, and even cancellations if security lines become too long or if there are not enough crew members with valid visas to work at international gates.

The article cites data from the 2018‑19 shutdown, where airlines reported a 4‑5% increase in flight cancellations nationwide. In Washington DC, for example, many flights to and from Chicago and New York were delayed by up to an hour.

6. What Travelers Can Expect

The article advises travelers to prepare for a federal shutdown by:

1. Arriving early at the airport—aim for 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights.
2. Checking TSA’s real‑time wait time tracker (available on the TSA website).
3. Monitoring the FAA’s flight schedule updates—especially for major hubs where crew shortages may lead to delays.
4. Watching local news outlets, such as WYFF4, for updates on airport closures or changes in service.

7. Bottom Line

A federal government shutdown may not shut down airports entirely, but it will strain the essential services that keep them running smoothly. From longer security lines to delayed air traffic control, the impact can ripple across the national air network. The WYFF4 feature underscores that while the TSA, CBP, and FAA will stay operational, they will do so with fewer hands on deck—creating a higher risk of delays and a less seamless experience for passengers.

For further details on how each agency handles a shutdown, visitors can follow the embedded links to TSA, CBP, FAA, and the Washington Airports Council in the original article. Travelers and industry stakeholders alike should stay tuned for any new developments, as the federal shutdown’s timeline and scope remain uncertain.