U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that a prolonged government shutdown could force smaller airports to close as roughly 50,000 TSA officers go unpaid. Since the shutdown began, absentee rates have spiked to around 10% daily—five times normal—causing long security lines at major airports. Officials say disruptions could worsen next week when missed paychecks accumulate, and airlines are urging a quick resolution as spring travel surges.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-official-warns-small-airports-could-soon-shut-down-over-tsa-absences-2026-03-19/?utm_source=reddit.com