Philadelphia airport closes 2 security checkpoints amid government shutdown
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Crowds, cancellations, and employee callouts at airports nationwide are just some of the growing impacts from the government shutdown.
At Philadelphia International Airport, the TSA decided to temporarily close the security checkpoints at Terminal A-West and Terminal F to provide optimal operations at the other checkpoints. The idea is to provide better operation at the rest of the terminals.
Airport staff will help direct people, but make sure you give yourself extra time.
"It's frustrating," said Nancy Bucca of Key West, Florida. "I feel like I should just get in the car and drive. It might be quicker."
"It's like the Holiday season and it's not even here yet," said Nancy Bucca, from Key West.
The shutdown is also forcing some restrictions nationwide. The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday that it will reduce flight capacity by 10% at 40 major airports across the country. The restrictions will go into effect Friday morning, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said. The list of impacted airports is expected to be released on Thursday.
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"I've always gone by what my dad says: get here at least two hours early," said Sabrina Damian of Manchester, T.N.
"Obviously, it will slow us down. I hope we don't miss flights," said another traveler.
Down in Houston, several passengers had to wait in TSA lines for hours at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Monday morning.
"As every day goes by, I think the problem is only going to get worse," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
This comes as U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns of "mass chaos" at airports.
RELATED | 'Mass chaos': Duffy says he might have to close some airspace next week amid shutdown
Duffy says TSA and air traffic controllers are working without pay, which leads to staffing shortages.
"They're being forced to make decisions and choices: 'Do they go to work as an air traffic controller or do they have to find a different job to get resources, money to put food on the table?'" said Duffy.
Mike Christine is the Eastern Regional Vice President of National Air Traffic Controllers Association. He says the stress of going unpaid puts strain on the skies.
"This is cruel and in our aviation system doesn't not need this additional risk that being tossed into it unnecessarily," said Christine.
"We have to put that headset on and forget about everything in the distractions of not being paid now for six weeks and not knowing when that's gonna happen. It's becoming very worrisome," he said.
The concern is for the upcoming busy holiday travel season. Both the TSA and air traffic control unions say the focus is to keep the skies safe. That may mean some delays or flight cancellations.
Duffy says if the shutdown continues, the department may have to close some airspace next week.
Many travelers are now worried they won't make it home for the holidays.
"I'm hoping we still get to make it out there to see our family, and if they cancel it, hopefully we get reimbursed," said Bucca.
Duffy reassures fliers it's safe to travel. He says they will delay or cancel flights if there are not enough controllers to effectively manage the skies.
