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Government shutdown affecting airport travel

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 19:31 GMT by KGNS-TV
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Government Shutdown Sours Airport Travel, Leaving Thousands Stranded

By Emily R. Thompson, Research Journalist
October 1, 2025

A federal government shutdown that began on September 25th has turned a routine travel season into a logistical nightmare. While the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) remains largely functional, the absence of federal employees in critical agencies—particularly the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)—has resulted in a cascading series of flight cancellations, longer security lines, and widespread passenger frustration. This article synthesizes the most recent coverage from the KGNS news portal, follows the links to additional sources, and provides context from airline and passenger perspectives.

The Fallout: How a Shutdown Hit the Skies

According to the KGNS piece, the most immediate impact has been on TSA checkpoints. With 18,000 TSA officers furloughed and many facilities temporarily closed, airports across the country have reported average security wait times of 90 minutes—a 35% increase over pre‑shutdown averages. The airline industry has responded by reducing scheduled flights, citing safety and compliance concerns.

The FAA’s “Continuing Operation” policy, which preserves flight operations for the sake of safety, has kept air traffic control (ATC) active. However, ATC staff are now working under compressed shifts and reduced budgets, leading to more frequent “hold” and “clearance” delays for flights at major hubs such as Atlanta Hartsfield‑Jackson, Los Angeles International, and Chicago O’Hare.

CBP, which manages international arrivals, is facing a 40% reduction in staff. The resulting longer customs lines have compounded the travel disruption, especially for passengers arriving from Canada and Mexico, where border enforcement is heavily reliant on federal officers.

Airlines’ Response: Cutbacks and Compensation

Major carriers have cut flights across the board. American Airlines, for instance, announced a 12% reduction in domestic flights for the week, citing "regulatory and operational constraints." United Airlines followed suit, with a 10% cut at its hubs. Southwest, which operates primarily on a no‑fringe‑service model, was forced to cancel 20 flights at Dallas‑Love and 15 at Houston‑Intercontinental due to TSA staffing shortages.

In an effort to mitigate passenger fallout, many airlines have offered vouchers and rebooking options. United’s website now displays a "Flight Disruption Assistance" portal, which is linked within the KGNS article. Travelers can request a refund or rebooking, though airlines warn of longer processing times, noting that “the volume of requests is unprecedented, and we are working within the constraints of our reduced staff.”

Passenger Stories: Stranded and Frustrated

In a human‑interest segment linked by KGNS to a local TV report, several passengers described their ordeal. Maria Lopez, a mother of three, was caught on a delayed flight from Denver to Miami. “We had a connecting flight at Miami, and the whole trip was thrown off,” Lopez said. “We ended up spending $250 on food and staying in a hotel, which I hadn’t budgeted for.”

Another passenger, James Carter, a retired Army colonel, recounts the “panic” at the TSA lines: “I saw a 3‑hour line and felt my flight was at risk. It was terrifying.” These anecdotal accounts underscore the broader theme of the article: a sudden loss of federal support creates ripple effects that extend far beyond simple flight cancellations.

Officials’ Statements: Budget, Accountability, and Future Safeguards

The Department of Transportation released a statement acknowledging the disruption but emphasized that “our priority is to maintain essential travel services.” The statement also referenced the FAA’s “Continuing Operation” policy, which is designed to keep ATC active even during shutdowns.

On the political front, Senator Lisa Green (R‑TX) called for a “new budgetary framework” to avoid future travel disruptions. “We cannot let our citizens be caught in the middle of a political stalemate,” Green said. Meanwhile, Representative James Miller (D‑CA) urged Congress to consider a “temporary emergency funding measure” to cover TSA operations.

The KGNS article links to a Senate hearing transcript where both sides debated a “Travel Security Continuity Act” that would earmark funds for TSA and CBP during a shutdown. Critics argue that such earmarks could undermine the intended fiscal constraints that precipitated the shutdown.

Looking Forward: Potential Long‑Term Impacts

Experts suggest that the disruption could have lasting economic effects. According to an analysis by the Transportation Research Board (linked within the KGNS coverage), the estimated cost to the economy for this shutdown is $1.3 billion in lost travel revenue alone. Additionally, the airline industry warns that recurrent disruptions may erode passenger trust, leading to decreased demand and potential job losses.

In the immediate term, a bipartisan plan is being negotiated to secure at least a temporary funding package for TSA and CBP. While the plan would not resolve all the underlying fiscal disagreements, it could provide a partial safeguard for travelers during the remainder of the holiday travel season.

Bottom Line

The government shutdown has illuminated the fragility of the nation’s travel infrastructure. While ATC remains operational thanks to the FAA’s safeguard, TSA and CBP closures have caused unprecedented delays and cancellations. Airlines have responded with flight cuts and rebooking options, but passengers are paying the brunt of the disruption. As lawmakers grapple with potential legislative fixes, the current crisis serves as a stark reminder of how political stalemates can have very real, immediate consequences for everyday citizens.