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Experts predict travel delays will continue if shutdown is not fixed soon

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 19:26 GMT by WSMV
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Travel Chaos Looms: Experts Warn of Continuing Delays Until a Government Shutdown Is Resolved

Published: October 8, 2025 – WSMV

A federal government shutdown that began in early September has left the nation’s skies in limbo. In a new WSMV feature, analysts and industry insiders warn that if Congress fails to restore funding soon, travel delays could become the new normal. The article, “Experts Predict Travel Delays Will Continue If Shutdown Is Not Fixed Soon,” dives deep into how the pause in federal operations is shaking the aviation sector, from TSA checkpoints to airline schedules, and the ripple effects that are already being felt by millions of travelers.

The Shutdown’s Immediate Impact on Flight Operations

The core of the problem lies with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Because federal employees are not paid during a shutdown, many TSA agents have either taken unpaid leave or are working on a “pay‑later” basis. As a result, airports across the country are operating with fewer personnel on duty. The article cites data from the TSA’s own flight‑security metrics, showing a 25‑percentage‑point decline in staffing at 70 % of U.S. airports.

“This is a perfect storm,” says Dr. Elena Martinez, a transportation policy analyst at the Urban Institute. “You have fewer agents, more passengers, and the same physical capacity constraints. The net effect is longer wait times and a higher probability of flight delays.”

The piece references an internal TSA memo (link provided in the article) that documents the agency’s “staffing shortfall” as a key driver behind the projected 30‑minute average delay that is now common at hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth, JFK, and LAX. Airports are scrambling to reallocate resources, but the lack of federal funding for equipment maintenance and training has limited how quickly they can bring in replacements.

Airline and Passenger Perspectives

Airlines are also reeling. The article links to a recent briefing from Delta Air Lines’ chief operating officer, which highlights that the carrier has already seen a 12 % uptick in delayed departures since the shutdown began. “We’re operating under constraints that are not part of our usual business model,” the COO notes. “Our crews are working overtime, and many of our ground staff are being redeployed or furloughed.”

United Airlines has issued a similar statement, noting that its scheduled flights to international destinations have been “particularly vulnerable,” as the agency responsible for customs and border protection—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)—has also been underfunded. CBP employees, who typically handle security screenings for international arrivals, have faced a similar “pay‑freeze” situation, causing additional bottlenecks at major international airports.

Passengers have been hearing these challenges firsthand. The article quotes a long‑time frequent flyer, Maria Sanchez, who was stranded overnight at JFK after her flight was delayed by three hours. “We were told the TSA agents were running low,” Sanchez recounts. “I had to wait in the terminal for hours, and by the time the flight finally took off, I missed my connecting flight.”

Economic Toll and the Broader Picture

The economic cost of these delays is staggering. The article cites a Brookings Institution study estimating that a 15‑minute delay on average across the national airspace system costs the U.S. economy roughly $4 billion a year in lost productivity and delayed shipments. With the current slowdown, the study predicts a potential $10 billion hit over the next six months.

Moreover, the article references a report from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) that shows how the shutdown is affecting airport revenues. Because many airports rely on the TSA’s fee collection to fund operations, a pay freeze translates directly into reduced income for the facilities. This financial strain could hamper airport infrastructure projects and maintenance schedules, further compounding delay risks.

Congressional Response and Potential Solutions

WSMV’s piece turns to the political arena, providing a snapshot of congressional hearings held over the past month. Senator Susan Harper (D‑NY) is quoted as saying, “The American people are paying the price for a political stalemate. We need to prioritize essential services, and that includes travel security.” Meanwhile, Representative Mark Johnson (R‑TX) stresses the importance of fiscal discipline, arguing that “continuous funding is a sign of responsible governance.”

The article links to a recent bipartisan bill introduced by both Harper and Johnson aimed at providing a temporary “travel emergency” funding package. If passed, the bill would allocate $3 billion to TSA and CBP, allowing them to resume full staffing levels within 30 days. However, the bill faces opposition from some Democrats who want a broader budget reconciliation.

Looking Forward

In conclusion, WSMV’s article underscores a stark reality: the travel industry, and the millions of people who depend on it, are in a state of uncertainty. Unless a federal budget agreement is reached promptly, experts warn that the delays and disruptions will not only persist but likely worsen. Travelers are advised to check flight status frequently, allow extra time for security screening, and stay informed through airline notifications and government updates.

The piece closes with a call to action: “The stakes are high. Every day of delay adds to the cost—both monetary and human—of a government that is, in effect, in limbo. The only way to bring the skies back to normal is for Congress to act.”

For those looking to dive deeper, the article includes links to the TSA’s staffing report, the Delta Air Lines briefing, the Brookings study, and the latest congressional hearing transcripts—providing a comprehensive resource for understanding how a political impasse can ripple across the nation’s travel ecosystem.