Montana airports warn of TSA delays if government shutdown continues

BOZEMAN, Mont. — Small airports may face closures if the partial government shutdown impacting the Department of Homeland Security continues, according to Adam Stahl, the acting deputy administrator of the TSA. 

Local airport officials are closely monitoring the situation. 

Jeff Roach, director of aviation and transit for Billings-Logan International Airport, expressed concern about the potential impact on smaller airports. He said the messaging that small airports may have to shut down is disturbing. 

"The impact to the community and to the region would be very difficult to overcome," he said. 

Roach mentioned that the aviation and airport trade association has been proactive.  

"Our aviation and the airport trade association and professional organization have sent letters to Congress asking for them to resolve this issue before the impacts get any worse than they are," he said. 

Currently, Billings-Logan is not experiencing major delays or significant security officer absences. However, Roach noted that this could change if the partial government shutdown continues. Similar situations are being reported by other airports across the state. 

At Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport, President Brian Sprenger reported no major delays related to TSA funding lapses, despite increased traffic due to spring break. 

Great Falls International Airport stated that their security is contracted and paid through TSA, and they expect to remain unaffected for the next several weeks. 

Missoula Montana Airport also reported no current or expected TSA wait time issues. 

Roach highlighted that the major impacts are currently at larger airports in other states. 

"The major impacts that are occurring now are at the hub airports. And as long as the travelers don't have to go through security at those hub airports, then they should not be seeing any significant impacts," he said. 

Roach advised travelers to stay informed about airline updates and to arrive at the airport early as the shutdown continues.