CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The busy travel holiday season has come to an end. While we didn’t see too many problems, there is a big threat looming.
Congress has just weeks to fund the government or face a shutdown, which could put a strain on air travel.
In November, President Biden signed a bill to keep agencies funded through the new year. Now congress must go back to the drawing board to hash it out and keep the government running.
“This is when it really comes down to bare-knuckle politics,” NC State economist Dr. Michael Walden said.
The Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of many sectors that would be impacted if there is a shutdown.
The airport depends on federal workers to operate. That includes TSA employees and air traffic controllers, who are also considered essential workers. If the government shuts down, these workers will have to continue to work without pay.
“There are some jobs that have been deemed as essential and so those workers just take it on the chin and have to work,” Walden said.
North Carolina Congresswoman Alma Adams shared concerns about the possibility of a shutdown in a statement sent to WCNC Charlotte. The statement says, in part "The great economic growth we are seeing could be derailed, which will affect us all. Everybody’s day-to-day lives will be interrupted in some way if the government shuts down.”
If no compromise is met, people can expect to see disruptions in several government agencies.
“If we have a government shutdown, federal workers will work without pay or will be furloughed," NC Congresswoman Kathy Manning said. "The IRS will stop most functions, meaning that people won't get their tax refunds. The SBA will stop new loan approvals.
When it comes to air travel, Walden said a shutdown would add more pressure on TSA employees and air traffic controllers.
“Those workers are already probably overworked and stressed and then you pile on top of that the possibility that they're going to have to work and not get paid… it's not good,” Walden said.
In the past, a shutdown has led to workers calling out and working side jobs to make do. Less staff means travelers will need to be even more patient at the airport.
“We’re getting back into the work activities. So, people will be traveling for work as well as vacations,” Walden said. “Travel with likely be impacted with longer lines, delays, cancellations.”
Katy Nastro, a travel expert with Going.com, said a domino effect of disruptions looms ahead.
“It also impacts future air traffic controllers, the training and the hiring then gets delayed, which is really not good for the system, because we're already working with a limited supplier of air traffic controllers to begin with,” Nastro said.
It’s not just air travel that will be affected. National parks may not be maintained during this time or may even have to close during a shutdown.
“Some of them won't be staffed and they won't be cleaned and so it could be a bit hazardous to go to, especially in the winter when there could be snowfall,” Nastro said. “There could be a lot of branches downed, trees down, things of that nature.”
Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to travel is passport processing and renewals would also come to a stop if there is a shutdown.
If you are a federal employee and could be impacted by a shutdown, you may want to look at where you can make cuts, budget, and save to prepare yourself financially for what is potentially ahead.
Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.