US official warns small airports could soon shut over TSA absences

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON, March 19 (Reuters) - U.S. ‌Transportation Secretary Sean ​Duffy ​warned on Thursday that if a partial government shutdown continues, small airports could soon shut down as 50,000 airport security officers go without pay.

Since Sunday, around 10% of ‌Transportation Security Administration airport personnel have failed to show for work daily, about ⁠five times the normal rate. That has led to long security lines at a number of major airports.

The U.S. ‌Travel Association and a coalition ‌of travel industry groups including airlines, hotels and car rental companies on Thursday called for urgent action.

"The security of travelers and the country is at stake," they said in a ​letter. "This situation is placing increasing strain on the frontline workforce responsible for protecting millions of travelers."

Senate Republicans and Democrats on Thursday made dueling attempts to fund the TSA but could ⁠not reach unanimous agreement.

Duffy said in a CNBC interview that if the standoff continues into next week, the government might have ​to take extraordinary steps.

He noted next week TSA officers are set to miss another full paycheck on March 27 and said things are likely to ​get worse as that approaches.

"As we get into next ‌week and they are about to miss another payment, this is going to look like child's play what's happening right now," Duffy said. "You're going to ⁠see small airports, I believe, shut down. You're going to see extensive lines."

The absenteeism rate was much higher at some major airports on Wednesday including 25% at New York's JFK and San Juan, Puerto Rico, ⁠38% at Atlanta and Houston Bush, the Homeland Security Department said.

Some airports have closed a number of security ​checkpoints and others are working to raise money to help TSA workers buy food or other essentials. Major airline CEOs have called for a quick end to the standoff.

The DHS said 366 TSA officers have left ‌during the shutdown. Last fall, a 43-day government shutdown led to widespread flight disruptions and the FAA ordered a 10% flight cut at major ‌airports.

This time, DHS funding lapsed on February 13 after Congress failed to reach a deal on immigration ⁠enforcement reforms demanded by Democrats.

Airlines are expecting ‌a record-breaking spring travel period, ​with 171 million passengers forecast to fly, up 4% from the same two-month period last year.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Mark Porter and ‌Chris Reese)

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