Airlines and travel groups have warned that travel could once again be impacted by governmental stalemates.
Congress failed to reach a deal on reforming immigration enforcement before funding ceased for Homeland Security on 13 February, with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) falling under that department.
As a result, approximately 50,000 TSA employees, responsible for airport security screenings, are working without pay.
Airline and travel groups have now warned that this could impact air traffic and travellers, much like the last government shutdown did in 2025, especially as spring break approaches.
“TSA officers screen nearly a billion passengers a year. With an average salary of around $35,000, these are workers who simply cannot afford to miss a paycheck,” said U.S. Travel Association CEO Geoff Freeman.
“Every time Washington fails to fund the government, these essential workers pay the price. So do travellers. So does the economy.”
