What the government shutdown means for Tri-Cities Airport flights
The Tri-Cities Airport was operating normally on the first day of the federal government shutdown.
Based on the airport’s experience with previous federal shutdowns, impacts are expected to be minor, said Buck Taft, who manages the Port of Pasco-owned airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Agency (TSA) are both counted as essential services. That means workers are required to report to work.
For passengers, that means there should be minimal waits to pass through TSA security screening. Taft said local passengers should come to the airport at their usual times.
The Tri-Cities Airport is among the busier regional airports in Washington and is on track to beat its 2019 passenger record in 2025, with boardings currently running 7% ahead of 2024. Through August, just over 324,800 passengers have boarded this year.
Going unpaid
Essential workers are on the job, but they may not receive paychecks until Congress appropriates money for government operations..
During a 2019 partial shutdown, local businesses stepped in with offers of free coffee, meals and other help for airport, Coast Guard and other federal workers forced to wait for their paychecks.
Gesa Credit Union, based in Richland, offered members zero-interest personal loans and waived certain fees.
At the time, Bob Ferguson, then Washington Attorney General and the governor, cautioned federal employees considering payday loans or tax refund advances to ensure they thoroughly understand the costs, which can be much higher than the cost of interest rates.
Busy airport
The airport has several capital improvement projects, including a runway rehabilitation, that are paid with federal money.
The work will not stop, but the port may have to pay contractors up front and wait until later for reimbursement from the FAA.
The airport in Pasco is served by Allegiant, Delta Air Lines, Alaska, United and American Airlines. Breeze will commence service in March. Avelo recently pulled out of western markets.