For travelers passing through Tucson International Airport, it’s business as usual despite the federal government shutdown grounding operations elsewhere.

Across the country, major airports are reporting staffing shortages and delays as the shutdown affects air traffic control and other federal operations. But in Tucson, airport officials say flights are running on schedule and airport staffing remains steady, with no signs of strain.

Earlier this week, Hollywood Burbank Airport had to transfer control of its air traffic tower to radio controllers at nearby airports due to low staffing, creating an unprecedented situation that frustrated travelers nationwide.

Other major airports have reported similar challenges, with staffing shortages and delayed flights straining operations across the country.

But at Tucson International Airport, operations remain smooth.

Tucson International Airport handled 3.75 million passengers in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, according to BizTucson.

Brian Kidd, deputy chief of strategic marketing and air service development at the Tucson Airport Authority, told Tucson Spotlight that staffing levels are optimal and sufficient for normal operations.

As of Wednesday, no departments appear to be strained any more than usual, Kidd said.

While flight delays or other air traffic issues at other airports can ripple throughout the country’s domestic and international network, disruptions elsewhere have not noticeably affected Tucson International Airport. Flights arriving from Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth experienced only typical delays, similar to what the airport normally sees during regular operations.

Tucson International Airport is home to several federal and military agencies that maintain a presence on site. The Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection all have employees at TIA.

The Arizona Air National Guard, the second-largest flying unit in the country, also maintains a significant workforce and fleet at the airport.

While it’s unclear if any of the National Guard members have been furloughed, the other groups have not been impacted. Kidd said he’s not aware of any plans to furlough any staff, and no staff members have been furloughed as a result of the government shutdown.

He said people working in air traffic systems jobs would be among the last groups of employees to have their jobs threatened, since the intensive requirements of these positions mean that maintaining optimal staffing is essential for smooth operations in the sky and on the ground. 

Kidd said he hoped for a smooth resolution to the government shutdown before it begins to seriously affect the ability of air traffic controllers across the country to maintain safety in the air.

Jacob Balderrama is a Pima Community College student and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact him at jacobb.marv@gmail.com.

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