PEORIA ( 25News Now ) - As the government shutdown continues, top executives at Central Illinois airports said they aren’t concerned about a disruption to air travel just yet, but they anticipate additional challenges if it lasts long-term.

General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport Director Gene Olson said the airport’s federal employees, like TSA screeners and air traffic controllers, are considered essential, so they are still showing up for work. These workers are going without pay with the government shutdown, however.

Olson said he will have concerns if the shutdown lasts for a month or longer, which will put a financial strain on those federal workers.

“[Those] federal employees are going for a long time without a federal paycheck, and that could have an impact down

See Full Page