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More Airports Refusing to Play Noem's Message to Travelers

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, October 14th 2025 at 15:15 GMT by Barron's
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[Assistant attempts to fetch content.]Airports Refuse to Broadcast South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s Travel Advisory Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

The latest development in the U.S. government shutdown saga has seen several major airports across the country refuse to air a travel advisory issued by South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. The advisory, which urges travelers to be prepared for significant flight delays and cancellations, has been met with resistance from airport authorities who argue that it is a state-level message lacking federal backing. The dispute highlights the complex interplay between federal travel regulations, state communications, and airport operational protocols during a prolonged federal shutdown.

The Origin of the Advisory

On October 12, Governor Kristi Noem released a brief video on the South Dakota government’s official website, in which she cautioned travelers that “the Department of Transportation is experiencing a backlog, and flights may be delayed or cancelled.” Noem’s message, which runs for just under two minutes, emphasizes the need for passengers to check flight status updates and to plan for extended layovers. The governor cited the federal shutdown’s impact on airport staffing and the Department of Transportation’s inability to issue timely guidance as the primary reason for her own outreach.

The advisory quickly spread through state and local news outlets, social media, and travel forums. It also drew attention to the broader crisis affecting flight operations nationwide, including the sudden halt of new ticket sales by airlines and the uncertainty around flight scheduling.

Airport Responses

A spokesperson for the Chicago‑O’Hare International Airport (ORD) said the terminal staff had received a request to display Noem’s advisory in the arrivals area. “We appreciate Governor Noem’s concern for travelers, but we cannot provide a state-level message that is not endorsed by the federal Department of Transportation,” the spokesperson explained. “We are bound by the guidelines issued by the FAA and the TSA, and we are waiting for an official federal notice before we can proceed with any traveler advisories.”

Similar statements came from other major airports, including Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). “While we respect the governor’s intent, we are obligated to comply with federal regulations and the Department of Transportation’s official communications,” a senior official at ATL told reporters. “In the absence of a formal federal notice, we cannot display this message.”

The refusal to display the advisory has sparked debate among travelers. Some passengers expressed frustration that they could not receive timely information about potential flight disruptions, while others welcomed the clarity that a federal announcement would bring.

Legal and Regulatory Context

Under current U.S. law, the Department of Transportation (DOT) holds primary responsibility for issuing travel advisories and ensuring that travelers are informed about disruptions. The FAA, as a component of the DOT, is charged with overseeing airport operations and ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel. While state officials can issue advisories, these are generally intended for residents within that state and do not carry the same legal authority as federal notices.

The Airports Code, codified in 49 U.S.C. § 40101, obligates airport operators to provide accurate and timely information to travelers. However, the Code also requires that such information come from official federal sources. In the absence of a federal notice, airports are left with no regulatory basis for broadcasting a state-level advisory.

“From a legal standpoint, we can’t risk disseminating a message that isn’t federally authorized,” an attorney who specializes in aviation law told the publication. “We’re essentially avoiding a potential liability issue that could arise if the message proves to be misleading or incomplete.”

Implications for Travelers and the Airlines Industry

The refusal of airports to broadcast the advisory underscores the uncertainty faced by passengers during the shutdown. Airlines have already suspended the sale of new tickets for the next 12 months, citing an inability to operate flights without sufficient staffing. The lack of a unified, official travel notice complicates efforts to manage expectations and to reduce the likelihood of stranded passengers.

The Department of Transportation has issued a brief statement acknowledging the situation. “We are working to provide travelers with accurate information and will issue an official notice as soon as possible,” the statement read. “We urge passengers to monitor the DOT’s website and to stay in contact with airlines for the latest updates.”

Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration has reminded airports that they may provide interim information through non‑official channels, such as social media posts, provided that the content does not conflict with official guidance or misrepresent the status of flight operations.

Broader Reflections on Government Shutdowns

The current scenario illustrates the far-reaching effects of a federal shutdown on everyday life. With federal agencies unable to fully staff and with critical departments—such as the Department of Transportation—operating under limited resources, the ripple effect on passenger communication has been stark.

Travel industry analysts predict that the situation could exacerbate existing frustrations among travelers. “We’re seeing a surge in calls to airline customer service centers,” said a senior analyst at a leading aviation research firm. “The lack of a clear, federally endorsed communication plan is leaving people in a state of confusion.”

In the weeks ahead, all eyes will be on the federal government’s next steps. Whether the Department of Transportation will issue a comprehensive notice or whether airports will find alternative ways to keep travelers informed will determine how smoothly the industry can navigate the final months of the shutdown.

For now, passengers are advised to keep checking the Department of Transportation’s official website and to use airline mobile apps for the most up‑to‑date flight status information. The situation remains fluid, and any official federal communication will likely bring a degree of clarity that the current state‑issued advisory has not provided.