Air Travel Disruptions Loom as TSA Staffing Crisis Deepens
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned of potential airport terminal closures due to the ongoing government shutdown, which has left 50,000 TSA officers without pay. Absence rates have risen sharply, with some airports experiencing 30-40% staff shortages. Airlines have expressed concerns about the impact on the spring travel season, with 171 million passengers expected. Reuters reported that 366 TSA officers have quit since the shutdown began.