Adam Stahl, the acting deputy administrator of the TSA, has indicated that the potential for airport closures across the U.S. is becoming increasingly urgent. This situation stems from a wave of resignations and the recall of TSA staff.
Stahl mentioned, “It isn’t an exaggeration to say that if there’s a rise in departure rates, we might have to close airports, particularly the smaller ones,” during an interview.
Since the Department of Homeland Security’s shutdown on February 14, around 50,000 TSA personnel have been working without compensation.
DHS has reported that over 350 TSA agents have left their positions permanently. Meanwhile, many others are calling in sick daily.
The airport scene has plunged into disorder as a result. Security lines are now extending to two hours across the country; at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, wait times have hit over three hours.
New York’s LaGuardia Airport has been notably affected, with lines of anxious travelers forming as early as 4:50 a.m., stretching out to the parking lot as they wait to get through security.
Unfortunately, there’s little relief on the horizon. Stahl’s ominous warning may soon materialize, especially after the Senate didn’t manage to pass funding for DHS on Friday.
He remarked, “If we fail to act, the conditions will deteriorate significantly before improvement occurs.” Airports in cities like Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, and Philadelphia are witnessing similar disruptions.
As lawmakers scramble for a swift solution to this dilemma, skepticism remains high. Senate Majority Leader John Thune described the crisis as akin to “smallpox in everyone’s home.”
Should closures become necessary, it’s expected that smaller airports will be prioritized for shutdowns. “Decisions are being made on an airport-by-airport basis,” Stahl added.
