Will the government shutdown slow travel at Myrtle Beach International Airport?

More than a week into the shutdown, federal employees at United States airports are working essential jobs without pay.

Since Congress failed to pass a funding deal and the government shut down on Oct. 1, airports across the county have seen staffing shortages, delays and cancellations. As of Thursday afternoon, at least 17,560 flights within, into, or out of the U.S. were delayed and at least 270 were cancelled since Monday, according to tracking site FlightAware.

Officials said the Myrtle Beach International Airport remains fully operational and doesn’t anticipate disruption to airport operations from the shutdown.

However, a spokesperson wouldn’t share information about essential staffing levels or employees calling out from work.

“We’re not aware of any delay this past week since the shutdown,” said Ashley Hickman with Myrtle Beach International Airport.

Although officials said the shutdown isn’t expected to force any delays or cancellations, they encouraged travelers to check their flight status before arriving at the airport.

The shutdown affects both the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration, which handles air traffic control.

“There have been increased staffing shortages across the system,” the FAA said in an automated email. “When that happens, the FAA slows traffic into some airports to ensure safe operations.”

The FAA updates real-time flight impacts at U.S. airports from issues like staffing and weather online with the National Airspace System Status, but Myrtle Beach hasn’t been impacted.

According to the TSA, roughly 61,000 of the 64,000 employees are considered exempt.

“While TSA is prepared to continue screening about 2.5M passengers a day, an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports,” a TSA spokesperson said in an email. “TSA has not experienced any delay in operations due to callouts, and remains fully capable of facilitating safe and secure travel for passengers.”

Air travelers with flights in or out of Myrtle Beach International Airport can find the latest flight updates on the airport’s flight information site.