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Des Moines International Airport warns of the impact of the government shutdown on air travel

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 22:59 GMT by KCCI Des Moines
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Des Moines International Airport Warns of the Government Shutdown’s Ripple Effect on Air Travel

The looming federal government shutdown is poised to send ripples through the United States’ air‑travel ecosystem, and the Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is sounding the alarm. A recent KCCI feature outlines how the cessation of federal services could disrupt airport operations, flight schedules, and passenger experience. By following the article’s links to the airport’s own website, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) page on shutdown impacts, and a U.S. government press release, the piece paints a detailed picture of what travelers, airlines, and airport staff should expect.

1. What’s Driving the Alert?

The root of the concern is a potential shutdown of federal agencies that support aviation: the TSA, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Transportation (DOT). When Congress fails to pass a continuing resolution, these agencies may suspend operations or dramatically reduce staffing. The KCCI article explains that the shutdown would begin on the date that the federal budget expires—currently set for the upcoming fiscal‑year cutoff—unless lawmakers act.

The article cites a statement from DSM’s Chief Operating Officer, Jane McLeod, who said, “While the airport remains a state‑operated facility, the federal agencies that we rely on for security, customs, and air‑traffic services will be directly affected. This will inevitably influence flight availability and passenger flow.” The link to the airport’s official communications page offers a downloadable PDF that breaks down the projected timelines for each affected service.

2. How Airlines Are Responding

A key segment of the story focuses on the airlines scheduled to operate from DSM. United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines—all of which run daily flights into major hubs—have each issued statements warning of possible cancellations or delays. The KCCI piece links to each carrier’s “Travel Alerts” page. United’s page notes that “any flights arriving before the shutdown date may be subject to altered schedules, and post‑shutdown flights will be operated on a limited‑capacity basis until staffing normalizes.” American echoes a similar message, emphasizing that “some domestic routes could be temporarily grounded.”

The article also references a conversation with a flight‑operations manager at American Airlines, who explained that the shutdown would make it difficult to staff the necessary ground crews, especially for cargo operations that rely on CBP clearance. The linked interview, available in a 3‑minute video on the airline’s newsroom site, underscores that many carriers will need to re‑allocate resources, potentially diverting planes to alternative airports.

3. Security and Customs Delays

One of the most immediate impacts will be on airport security. The TSA page linked in the article details that during a shutdown, the agency may reduce the number of personnel working the checkpoints to the minimum required for essential operations. Travelers could expect longer wait times—KCCI reports that “average lines could double” compared to normal conditions. The airport’s own FAQ, accessible through a button in the article, suggests passengers arrive 60 minutes earlier than usual and prepare for the possibility of an additional “security screening” stop if staffing is low.

CBP’s website, another link within the article, indicates that the agency may temporarily close certain customs lanes. While the airport will remain open for domestic flights, international arrivals will face delays, as CBP officers are the final authority on passenger clearance. The KCCI piece explains that the airport’s international terminal has a limited number of lanes; a reduction in staff could lead to a bottleneck, with passengers waiting 30–45 minutes longer than typical.

4. Air Traffic Control and Flight Operations

The FAA’s role in managing airspace and flight routes is critical, and the KCCI article cites a DOT press release outlining how the FAA may curtail services. Flight plans might need to be resubmitted on a more manual basis, increasing the risk of scheduling conflicts. A link to the FAA’s “Impact of Shutdown on Aviation” page offers a detailed timeline for when air traffic controllers could be placed on reduced duty or furlough.

The airport’s own operations team is preparing a contingency plan. In the article, a quote from the operations director, Kevin O’Brien, reads, “We’re coordinating with the FAA to ensure that any necessary flight cancellations are communicated early. Our goal is to maintain safety and minimize passenger inconvenience.” The link to the airport’s incident‑response policy provides a flowchart of decision points for various scenarios, from “partial staffing” to “full shutdown.”

5. Traveler Guidance and Tips

For passengers, the article provides pragmatic advice. First, book flights well in advance—especially if traveling after the shutdown date—since airlines may pull flights as soon as staffing levels permit. Second, stay alert to notifications from the TSA and airlines; the KCCI piece links to a “Travel Alerts” feed that aggregates updates from all major carriers. Third, consider alternative routes: if DSM flights are canceled, many travelers can connect through other Midwest hubs such as Chicago’s O’Hare or Minneapolis‑St. Paul International.

The article also highlights the importance of digital check‑in. With fewer staff at kiosks, e‑ticketing and mobile boarding passes can save time. Finally, the KCCI piece reminds travelers to bring identification that meets TSA standards, as the agency may have a higher scrutiny protocol during a shutdown. The link to the TSA “Travelers’ Guide” provides an updated list of acceptable documents.

6. Additional Resources

• DSM Airport Official Site – A PDF schedule and emergency contact list.
• TSA “Impact of Shutdown” Page – Current guidelines on checkpoint staffing.
• CBP “Travelers” Page – Customs lane status and clearance procedures.
• FAA “Flight Operations” Notice – Detailed timelines for air‑traffic service reductions.
• DOT Press Release – Summary of federal shutdown implications for the transportation sector.

By weaving together statements from airport leadership, airline updates, federal agency guidelines, and traveler tips, the KCCI article delivers a comprehensive snapshot of how the government shutdown could affect air travel out of Des Moines. It stresses the need for travelers to remain flexible, stay informed, and plan for potential disruptions. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a first‑time visitor, the piece serves as a reminder that in an interconnected travel network, the ripple effects of a federal shutdown can be felt far beyond the federal agencies themselves.