U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Friday (March 20, 2026) he is worried disruptions at major airports will increase as a partial government shutdown continues with no end in sight.
Airlines and travel groups fear absences among the 50,000 Transportation Security Administration airport security officers could increase again this weekend. Long lines were seen at major airports on Friday, including in Atlanta and Houston, with spring break travel in full swing.
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“If a deal isn’t cut, you’re going to see what’s happening today look like child’s play,” Mr. Duffy told CNN. He warned earlier this week that small airports could shut down soon if staffing issues worsened.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. File | Photo Credit: Reuters
