Shutdown Continues—Will Missouri Airports Feel the Strain?

(Missourinet) – If the government shutdown continues, Missouri airports could start feeling the strain. But TSA agents—including those at St. Louis Lambert International—are still on the job. Director Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge (Hom-nuh-breh-gee) says their role is federally mandated to continue working.

“While they don’t receive pay during the shutdown, that does become retroactive once everything is back in play on the federal level. Knock on wood. We’ve been very lucky we’re not seeing any issues at this point.”

“We don’t expect disruptions, and they are not seeing them yet. Could there be some on the system? Yes. So far, it’s been pretty quiet. I really haven’t seen any big issues anywhere. I think if that continues, you could see some markets where there’s staffing challenges. But again, I think that’s yet to be seen at this point.”

She urges travelers to check the airport’s website for updates.

“To see if there’s any delays or any flight cancellations, the airlines have also got very active with texting or emailing, if there is a flight cancellation, or if there’s particular delays at an airport. So just go to the carrier website, if you’re flying, and check to see.”

The government shutdown began last Wednesday, with no clear end in sight.