2 PHL security checkpoints temporarily close as government shutdown drags on

Travelers wait in long lines after Philadelphia Airport TSA and airport workers held a protest rally outside the Philadelphia International Airport on January 25, 2019.
Photo credit Mark Makela/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The TSA has temporarily closed two security checkpoints at Philadelphia International Airport: Terminal A West and Terminal F.

TSA employees who staff these checkpoints screen luggage and check passengers’ identities. They have been working without pay during the ongoing government shutdown.

PHL officials said airport staff will be on hand to direct passengers. Travelers can access all terminals from any checkpoint.

The airport is advising passengers to arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy predicted chaos in the skies next week if the government shutdown drags on and air traffic controllers miss a second paycheck. He also warned they may need to close “certain parts of airspace” next week, which could lead to “mass cancellations” at airports across the country.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Mark Makela/Getty Images