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DETROIT – Flight delays could multiply as airport workers continue calling out sick, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said. The ongoing government shutdown has left TSA agents and air traffic controllers working without pay, increasing stress and absenteeism. Detroit Metro Airport says it does not anticipate disruptions, but other airports across the country are facing challenges. ---> Detroit Metro Airport launches free food program for federal workers amid shutdown Joanne Johnson, a travel advisor with Joan Anderson Travel Services, said some travelers are hesitant to fly right now. “I have friends now that love to travel and some of them have said to me, ‘I will not fly right now because I don’t know if it’s safe,’” she said. The uncertainty at airports is stirring concern nationwide. Catherine Farley, a traveler at Detroit Metro Airport, expressed surprise that workers are still showing up. “I am shocked that they’re showing up to work. I myself am traveling for business and I’ll tell you one thing if I was not being paid, I would not be here right now,” she said. Local travel agents are urging travelers to take extra precautions in case of delays or cancellations due to lack of staff. Pamela Nikitas, owner at Joan Anderson Travel Services, shared an example of a recent delay. “I just had some people come back from New York and he changed his flight and it was delayed.” Travel experts emphasize the importance of staying on top of flight status and arriving early at the airport. David Fishman, president of Cadillac Travel Group, advised travelers to allow extra time. “You should be showing up extra early, so when they say show up a couple hours early you should sh,w up three hours early,” he said. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded with an automatic email stating that due to the funding lapse, routine requests are not being handled. However, they acknowledged increased staffing shortages and said the FAA slows traffic into some airports to ensure safe operations. Catherine Farley said she is bracing for delays. “I am anticipating delays and if I do, I will miss my children’s first Halloween,” she said. A TSA spokesperson said the longer the shutdown continues, the more severe the impact will be on the TSA workforce. They asked for travelers’ understanding and patience during this time.
