Air travel mostly unaffected by government shutdown, for now, officials say
Aviation officials do not see any significant changes to flight schedules nearly one month into the government shutdown, though the effect may worsen if the situation remains in place.
The Transportation Security Administration, in a statement to NorthJersey.com on Oct. 27, said most of the agency's operations throughout the country have been "minimally impacted" since the shutdown went into effect Oct. 1. The only hiccups of note have been occasional delays at security checkpoints.
However, the TSA added, the effects on now-unpaid employees may become more palpable if the shutdown reaches a certain point.
"The longer the shutdown goes on, the more severe the impact on our TSA workforce who have expenses they must pay for, making it harder to show up for work when not being paid," the statement read.
There were 117 delays and four cancellations reported out of Newark Airport as of 3:30 p.m. Oct. 27, according to FlightAware. The airport experienced 527 cancellations for the entire day on Oct. 26, along with 347 on Oct. 25 and 434 on Oct. 24.
Most employees with the TSA and Federal Aviation Administration are considered essential, meaning they are required to work during a shutdown even when other federal workers are furloughed. But a former TSA officer told CBS News prior to Oct. 1 that employees have begun to worry when previous shutdowns surpass two weeks, with some calling in sick or looking for other jobs.
An airplane flies over the United terminal at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, NJ on Saturday March 21, 2020.
If the shutdown begins to affect employees' work attendance, the TSA urged travelers to be mindful of workers they do encounter at the airport.
"We kindly ask for the public’s patience and understanding as our officers are forced to work unpaid at this time," the statement read. "Despite this challenge, TSA will remain vigilant and focused on performing our vital security mission on behalf of the American people."
