It’s a busy time of year for spring break travel. But as of Friday morning, two of the four security checkpoints at Sky Harbor International Airport’s Terminal 4 were closed due to staffing shortages.
The federal government has been partially shut down since Feb.14 and Transportation Security Administration employees have not been paid. The Department of Homeland Security reports more than 300 TSA workers nationwide have quit, while others aren’t coming into work.
Sky Harbor Terminal 4 passengers can reach their gate through any security checkpoint. But passengers may encounter delays while checkpoints B and D remain closed.
“Given today's situation, we are expecting longer lines and wait times,” Sky Harbor spokesperson Eric Everts said via email Friday. “It is critical to give yourself plenty of extra time. Arrive a minimum of two hours before your flight (three if flying internationally) to leave plenty of time to check your bags, get through security, and find your gate. More time is better.”
Passengers can check current wait times at Sky Harbor security checkpoints at skyharbor.com.
Sky Harbor is also collecting donations of non-perishable food, or gas or grocery gift cards for TSA employees working without pay.
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Sky Harbor spokesperson Monica Hernandez confirmed that ICE agents have now been gone for a week after vacating the airport on April 6. -
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