As the government shutdown entered its 23rd day, now the second-longest in U.S. history, the impact on air travel is becoming increasingly evident. Federal airport staff are feeling the strain of missed paychecks and the uncertainty about when and if they’ll be compensated. Last week, Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport was forced to step in as funding issues affecting TSA officers and air traffic controllers deepened, with further cuts expected in the days ahead.

Earlier this month, the FAA confirmed that nationwide air traffic disruptions were due to staffing shortages. On Thursday, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) became the first to issue a ground delay, with flights averaging 30-minute hold times due to limited personnel.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy t

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