As the U.S. government shutdown nears its record 35-day mark on Tuesday, federal employees including air traffic controllers and TSA screeners—required to work without pay—are calling out at higher rates, causing flight delays and long security lines at airports. The FAA reports surged absences straining staffing at half of the nation's Core 30 airports, including 80% in the New York area, leading to delays in Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Austin, and Washington; 84% of Sunday's delays were staffing-related. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns of reduced airspace safety due to fatigued or distracted workers juggling side jobs, but emphasizes no emergencies yet. TSA faces similar issues, with Houston seeing up to three-hour lines (national average five minutes Sunday), echoing the 2018-2019 shutdown where 10% callout rates helped end the standoff. Unions urge Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution to reopen government through November 21, while imploring members to report for duty.
Read more: https://www.govexec.com/management/2025/11/airports-seeing-spike-shutdown-impacts-tsa-screenres-air-traffic-controllers-call-out/409275/
