Government shutdown causing snags in air travel

Canadians travelling to the United States may want to check their flight status or plan for delays because of a shortage of airport screeners, as the U.S. government shutdown became the longest in history on the weekend.

Saturday marked Day 22 of the shutdown over President Donald Trump’s funding feud.

He wants to build a $5.7-billion wall between the U.S. and Mexico and so far that’s not a desire for all the political powers in Washington. CNN reported Saturday Miami International Airport will close a concourse early for three days because of a shortage of Transportation Security Administration screeners, who were not reporting for work.

The New York Times reported Friday that extreme financial hardship was causing TSA employees to either resign and look for other work or call in sick.

The concern was that if the impasse continues travel will be thrown into turmoil in the U.S.

TSA’s 51,000 airport security agents are federal employees, who are required to work without pay during the partial shutdown.

On this side of the border, YVR spokeswoman Andrea Pham said all operations at Vancouver International Airport were “normal” on Saturday, but recommended passengers check their flight status before heading for the airport.

Meantime, Canadians trying to renew or get a Nexus pass, which speeds up border entry for lowrisk Canadians, were told earlier this week they would have to wait until the shutdown ends.