Sequester’s Impact on U.S. Airports Could Be Significant
Louis Miller, aviation general manager at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, said reduced ATC staffing could lead to the closure of one of the airport’s five runways. (Photo: Atlanta International Airport)
Louis Miller, aviation general manager at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, said reduced ATC staffing could lead to the closure of one of the airport’s five runways. (Photo: Atlanta International Airport)

The effects of the U.S. government budget cuts that started on March 1 will not likely be felt until April but they could be significant for airlines and their passengers. The Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency will absorb the mandated spending cuts known as the “sequester” in part by furloughing employees, or requiring them to take several days of unpaid leave. Following 30-day notification, air traffic controllers, security screeners and customs officers will be working fewer overall hours; the result will be flight delays and longer lines at airport checkpoints, aviation officials advise.