A prolonged US government shutdown has disrupted air travel nationwide, with unpaid TSA staff and rising absenteeism causing long security lines, delays, and cancellations. Major airports face severe congestion, forcing passengers to wait hours. Authorities urge early arrivals as staffing shortages worsen travel chaos.

Washington: Air travel across the United States is in disarray due to a prolonged government shutdown, disrupting airport security operations and causing long queues, widespread delays, and stranded passengers.

Security checkpoints are under pressure as the Department of Homeland Security remains unfunded. Transportation Security Administration officers are working without pay during the busy spring travel season.

The disruption has caused delays across multiple airports. Passengers are facing long wait times. Authorities are advising travellers to arrive much earlier to avoid missing flights.

“3+ hour TSA lines for travelers. 300+ TSA officers who have quit. A $0 paycheck for those continuing to serve. Enough is enough,” the TSA said in a post. The agency also confirmed that hundreds of unpaid officers have left their jobs since the shutdown began, worsening staffing shortages across major airports.