A partial US government shutdown is set to begin at midnight Saturday (5:00 GMT) after lawmakers failed to pass a funding deal for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Agencies under DHS, like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will continue working but without pay.
Major airline groups and travel organizations warned that this could lead to staff shortages. Many TSA officers might call in sick or skip shifts, which could result in longer security lines and delayed flights.
In a joint statement, Airlines for America and other travel groups urged Congress to reach a funding agreement quickly. They stressed that travelers and the US economy cannot handle essential TSA personnel working without pay.
Spring break is approaching, making this period one of the busiest for air travel. A shortage of security staff could create chaos at major airports across the country.
Unlike TSA, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will not face disruptions because it is funded separately under last year’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Democrats have been pushing for reforms in ICE following controversial operations in Minneapolis earlier this year.
