Tag: Dallas Love Field

Fort Worth

Dallas-Fort Worth International and Dallas Love Field have so far been spared from significant travel disruptions during the government shutdown, unlike a few other major U.S. airports.

But our luck may be running out.

Air traffic controllers not showing up for work have snarled traffic at airports in Chicago, Nashville, New Jersey, Washington D.C. California. On Thursday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said “problem children” who call out sick to protest the shutdown could lose their jobs.

TSA agents in North Texas aren’t happy about having to work without pay for nine days and counting. Normally, the federal airport screeners would be anticipating paychecks on Friday. This week, however, most of them won’t be paid the full amount they’re used to, a union leader tells the Star-Telegram.

“They’re taking it on the chin, doing the best they can to stave off any other problems,” said Johnny Jones, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1040 that represents North Texas TSA employees.

Jones said most people live paycheck to paycheck. He said he would not be surprised if some TSA agents decide to call out of work, especially if they have kids at home and cannot afford child care.

That’s what happened in January 2019 when a shutdown was dragging into its fourth week. By the fifth week, 10% of the nation’s airport screeners missed work.

Bills keep coming even when income stops, Jones said.

“We’re just asking to be paid and let us get on with our daily lives,” he said. “It is time for a new deal for the American worker. We’re being ripped off, and I’m sick and tired of us being pawns.”

Airport staffing shortages across the US

Airports across the country have started to see staffing shortages despite TSA agents, air traffic controllers and other essential workers being required to clock in during the government shutdown, which began Oct. 1.

On Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration reported staffing issues at airports in Boston, Chicago, Nashville and Philadelphia, according to the AP. In addition, air traffic control centers in Atlanta, Houston and North Texas were also impacted.

On Wednesday, 14% of flights out of DFW were delayed for various reasons, representing 152 departures, according to FlightAware, which tracks real-time airport data. At least 135 delays were reported Thursday as of 6 p.m. Neither DFW nor Dallas Love Field have seen significant cancellations.

The government has been shut down since Oct. 1 as both parties in Congress try to hammer out a funding deal. There has not been much movement, though.

With no end to the shutdown in sight, Jones said it will continue to be a “chaotic” and “difficult” time for TSA employees.

What DFW and Love Field are saying about the government shutdown

This week, both Dallas-Fort Worth International and Dallas Love Field have been operating as normal, according to spokespeople.

“Airports are considered essential services, and key federal employees such as air traffic controllers and security personnel continue during a government shutdown,” a DFW spokesperson said.

At Dallas Love Field, a spokesperson said: “As of the writing of this email, no significant federal workforce reductions have been reported at our airport. We are keeping our fingers crossed that it stays that way.”

This story was originally published October 9, 2025 at 5:10 PM.