Potential Airport Delays Loom as US Government Faces Partial Shutdown

Sun Feb 15 2026 00:48:44 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Travel groups warn of possible disruptions in air travel due to a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, which could affect TSA operations amidst ongoing funding negotiations.

A partial shutdown of the US federal government triggered by a failure to fund the Department of Homeland Security could lead to airport delays and longer wait times due to increased unscheduled absences among TSA workers. Travel groups express concerns about the impact on travelers and the economy. As negotiations continue, the full effects of the shutdown remain to be seen.

Potential Airport Delays Loom as US Government Faces Partial Shutdown

Travel groups and airlines are warning of potential disruption as the US federal government partially shuts down after lawmakers failed to reach a deal on funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Several groups, including Airlines for America, stated in a joint statement that without a resolution, the risk of unscheduled absences among Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers increases, potentially leading to flight delays and longer wait times at airports.

Travellers and the US economy cannot afford to have essential TSA personnel working without pay, the statement stressed.

A partial government shutdown began at midnight after Congress was unable to pass funding for DHS operations. In exchange for a funding deal, Democrats have been pushing for immigration reforms, which have not significantly impacted ICE due to prior funding arrangements.

The Democrats demand various changes within the DHS, including banning immigration agents from wearing face masks and stricter identification protocols during operations.

The shutdown also raises concerns for several agencies overseen by DHS, including the US Coast Guard and TSA. Vice Admiral Thomas Allan warned that continued funding issues could lead to approximately 56,000 Coast Guard workers going without pay and a suspension of non-critical missions.

Historically, the US government faced its longest shutdown last year, affecting many federal workers and causing significant travel disruptions. While this shutdown might not reach those levels, the lack of funding for TSA could still result in longer airport lines as workers may call in sick due to unpaid labor.

The Federal Aviation Administration, overseeing air traffic controllers, remains funded for the year, which could limit the shutdown's travel chaos. Congress is expected to recess until late February, suggesting that the shutdown might prolong unless an early deal is struck.