DES MOINES, Iowa – The United States is more than a week into a federal government shutdown, and with that, the FAA is warning that a growing number of airports could see delays due to staffing shortages, and some air traffic controllers calling out sick.

Several airports are impacted already, including Chicago O’Hare, Newark, and Nashville, where the FAA is reducing traffic. Des Moines is not on that list so far, but what happens at other airports could soon impact air travel in and out of Iowa. Issues, like delays, could hold up planes from getting to Des Moines on time, causing a ripple effect.

Airport leaders say that the airport operates like a mall, meaning the airlines, TSA, and air traffic controllers are all operated by a third party. So, if turbulence rocks air travel, it’s up to them to keep up with the capacity and needs at Des Moines International Airport.

“We just kind of operate the way that we always operate. Like for instance, when we do have an influx for holidays, we know that we have more flights going out than what we usually do. So Aero, who is actually our food and beverage, our concessionaires, will staff more people ahead of time. So, it’s just kind of those different entities taking care of their business and making sure that everyone at the airport has a really smooth travel experience,” said Sarah Hoodjer, communications for the Des Moines International Airport.

Hoodjer recommends that you download your airline app to receive alerts regarding any issues with your flight and to follow the airport social media pages where updates on TSA lags would be posted. Additionally, getting to the airport early is key to allow buffer time if slow downs occur.