U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy Delays at airports across the country are likely to intensify as the government shutdown continues to put pressure on security operations, the warning said.
Duffy warned of internal staffing shortages in interview with ABC News transportation safety administration It is likely to intensify in the coming days. “I think you’re going to see more TSA agents… quit, who otherwise wouldn’t be here,” he said, adding, “I do think it’s going to get worse.”
The queue has stretched for hours
The warning comes as Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is widely considered the busiest airport in the world, with passengers facing security check waits of up to four to five hours, the Mirror reported.
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Images from the airport showed crowds streaming into the terminal, with long lines forming in the baggage claim area and even outside the entrance. Travelers say they are worried about missing their flights as flight delays continue to increase.
Center staff shortage crisis
These outages are related to ongoing Department of Homeland Security Funding was cut off, leaving thousands of TSA officers working without pay. While most people are classified as essential workers and must report to work, many are reportedly calling in sick or quitting due to financial constraints.
The resulting shortages have forced some airports to scale back operations, leading to longer wait times and increasing pressure on remaining staff.
ICE deployment provides limited assistance
To combat the problem, the government has dispatched Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to major airports. However, these workers do not perform passenger screening but instead assist with tasks such as monitoring exit lanes and managing crowds.
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Their presence has done little to ease congestion, with delays continuing at major hubs across the country.
Increasing pressure to solve problems
Duffy said the worsening situation could prompt lawmakers to take action as the impact on travelers becomes more severe.
As peak travel day approaches, officials are warning passengers to arrive hours early.
