What Impact Will The Government Shutdown Have On Domestic Security And Travel?

A government shutdown could lead to significant delays and longer wait times for air traffic controllers and TSA officers, potentially affecting the nation’s air travel system. Six in 10 Americans said they would cancel or avoid air travel in the event of a shutdown, according to a survey from Ipsos and U.S. Travel. If Congress fails to pass a funding package by September 30, the federal government will shut down, ceasing all non-essential operations.

A government shutdown is estimated to cost the country’s travel economy as much as $140 million per day. A shutdown occurs when Congress fails to approve new spending for federal agencies, which are generally barred from spending money without. Additionally, a government shutdown could delay the deployment of new security technology equipment to airports.

During previous shutdowns, air travel became challenging due to some TSA workers and air traffic controllers not reporting to work. Air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration officers would have to work without pay if the government shuts down, leading to more flight delays, longer screening lines, and holdups in air travel modernization. Nearly three-quarters of the Department of Homeland Security’s staff would work without pay, including those securing the nation’s borders.

The travel industry faced issues such as garbage overflowing at national parks, long security lines at airports, and flight delays. This means that security, immigration, and customs lanes at airports around the country will continue to operate, and planes will continue to land. Many civilian personnel, including military technicians, are likely to be furloughed.