The federal government is experiencing a shutdown due to a lapse in appropriations. This is the first shutdown in nearly seven years after elected officials failed to pass a funding measure. While the shutdown likely will not affect any operations at Walt Disney World, the Orlando International Airport has offered an update on the shutdown and the anticipated impacts it could have on operations. Here’s the latest.
Orlando International Airport Statement on Government Shutdown
Here’s the statement from the Orlando International Airport (MCO), in full:
MCO Guests,
A federal government shutdown is in effect.
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority does not anticipate that operations at MCO will be affected; however, we have developed contingency plans should there be a dramatic decrease in the number of TSA agents processing passengers. We are in conversations with local TSA, CBP, and FAA agencies and hope there will be a resolution soon.
Air travel is an essential part of the tourism sector, which helps to fuel our region; and we remain committed to the best in traveler safety and security. During this time, we encourage passengers to use the FlyMCO website or Orlando MCO app to stay current about airport operations.
Federal partners have contingency plans in place. To learn more about those
plans from our federal partners, visit the following:
- FAA: DOT Operations during a Lapse in Annual Appropriations Plans by
Operating Administration | US Department of Transportation - DHS: Lapse in Funding for DHS | Homeland Security
To contact an aviation-related federal agency, please use the information below:
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA): www.tsa.gov/contact | (866) 289-9673
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): www.cbp.gov/contact | (877) 227-5511
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): www.faa.gov | (866) 835-5322
- Department of State (Passports & Visas): travel.state.gov | (877) 487-2778
While TSA officers are considered essential employees during a government shutdown, there is a very human aspect to going to work and not receiving a paycheck. Essential employees are guaranteed back pay when the shutdown ends, but the longer it drags on, the more pressure it puts on the TSA officers.
According to a report from CBS News, roughly 10% of TSA officers called in sick during the 34-day government shutdown in late 2018 into early 2019.
The US Travel Association, of which Disney is a member, sent a letter to elected officials in late September, warning that the shutdown could lead to a $1 billion loss per week for the travel economy. The association warned that a shutdown will have immediate and severe consequences, putting strain on an already short-staffed TSA, threatening longer lines, flight delays, and cancellations in air travel. The association said that the shutdown will halt the hiring and training of new air traffic controllers – already at a deficit of more than 2,800 controllers nationwide.
Bringing this back to Walt Disney World, it’s highly unlikely that operations will be affected in any way as a result of the government shutdown. That said, Disney will not be immune to an impacted travel sector should the shutdown drag on.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
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