TSA Agents Work Without Pay as Flight Cancellations Grow Amid Government Shutdown

Flight operations at Harry Reid International Airport faced new disruptions Friday as Southwest Airlines canceled 21 flights following a Federal Aviation Administration order reducing flight capacity nationwide.

According to FlightAware, a total of 121 Southwest flights were canceled across the airline’s system for the day. The FAA’s directive, which began earlier this week, temporarily cuts up to 10% of scheduled flights at major airports to address staffing shortages tied to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The cancellations add to growing challenges for both travelers and airport staff in Las Vegas. TSA workers at Harry Reid International Airport continue reporting to duty despite not receiving paychecks for more than a month. The shutdown, now in its 37th day, has halted federal employee pay while critical services such as airport security and air traffic control remain in operation.

Officials say TSA agents have shown strong commitment to maintaining passenger safety and minimizing disruptions, even as reduced staffing and delayed pay have placed additional strain on personnel. Passengers are encouraged to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to arrive early in anticipation of longer security lines.

The FAA has said that capacity reductions are a preventive measure to ensure aviation safety amid uncertainty over the shutdown’s duration. Las Vegas, one of the nation’s busiest travel hubs, remains among the airports most affected by the cancellations.

Credit: Original reporting by FOX5 Las Vegas