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.
-
Waymo is expanding its services in metro Phoenix. The autonomous ride hailing company is adding 55 square miles to its service area. -
The Mohave County Board of Supervisors say the Laughlin-Bullhead International Airport has operated at a deficit of more than $500,000 per year for the last three years. -
Since July of last year, the airport has set organizational records in five major categories, including passenger activity, operating revenue, net income, fuel sales, and parking revenue. -
On the hottest days, thinner air can make it harder for aircraft to get off the ground safely. Airlines may have to lighten the load by removing passengers or cargo, or carrying less fuel. -
The Phoenix Area Modernization Project is a proposal by the FAA to consolidate air traffic to set routes. As drafted, it would increase noise from air traffic by as much as 6 decibels.
