LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — TSA workers at Harry Reid International Airport have gone 32 days without pay as the government shutdown continues, and a TSA union official says more employees are calling out of work as a result.
The official said that 130 Harry Reid Airport TSA employees called out on Monday, a trend that continued into Tuesday. Wait times at Harry Reid are averaging about 46 minutes, compared to a typical 10 to 15 minutes, and more officers are being asked to work overtime.
This is now the third-longest government shutdown in U.S. history, approaching the record for the highest set in November 2025.
Workers showing up despite financial strain
Despite the missed paychecks, Harry Reid airport officials say many TSA employees have continued to report for duty.
“Here at Harry Reid International Airport, we’ve actually been very blessed with a good crew of TSA workers who have been showing up for work even during this government shutdown,” said Luke Nimmo, Public Information Administrator for the Clark County Department of Aviation Public Affairs Office.
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Nimmo says TSA workers have remained resilient.
“They’re working without pay. So they have bills, they have families to take care of. They have pets that they have to care for. They have babies,” he said.
Travelers said they noticed the effort from employees who showed up.
“It’s tough. It really is. It makes it tough on everybody,” said Vegas native Doug Sartain.
Food pantry open at Harry Reid; donations needed
A food pantry is available at Harry Reid International for TSA workers, stocked with home supplies, baby diapers, pet food, and other necessities.
Airport officials say stock has been lower during this shutdown, and the TSA union officials says he believes a lack of public awareness is affecting donations. He says the longest shutdown in November had more awareness because it impacted more government agencies, saying this one only affects the Department of Homeland Security.
The union official is tired of TSA workers being used as political pawns, and says 366 TSA employees have quit since November nationwide.
“We do need a lot more donations to come in to help provide those necessities for our TSA workers,” Nimmo said. “That way they don’t have to go out and purchase those things when they’re not getting a paycheck and we can alleviate that stress on them so they can focus on keeping us safe and keeping things flowing.”
Companies and organizations interested in donating can coordinate drop-offs through the Airport Control Center at (702) 261-7157. Drop-off hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Distribution of items is based on available inventory and while supplies last.
Harry Reid International Airport put out a statement, saying, “We put a call out for donations and expressed the critical need so we can continue to support the federal workers that keep Harry Reid International Airport safe and running smoothly.”
Travelers advised to arrive early
Airport officials say slowdowns at other airports can ripple into Las Vegas. Passengers are urged to arrive early, as the busiest screening hours fluctuate depending on the flight schedule.
Some travelers said they built in extra time on Tuesday but experienced little delay.
“We actually planned ahead of time today because we kind of expected a little bit of a delay,” said Doug Sartain, a Las Vegas native traveling home. “No delay whatsoever. The TSA agents have been great.”
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