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Maine air traffic controllers are still working without pay — for now

portland jetport terminal File Photo / Jim Neuger The departure terminal at Portland International Jetport.
By Tina Fischer

Tuesday was the first day that air traffic controllers across the country missed a paycheck due to the ongoing government shutdown, and at some major airports, a number of staffers have not been coming into work, leading to flight delays and cancellations.

At Los Angeles International Airport, controllers set up picket lines and others around the country have scrambled to find second jobs.  

Workers from the Transportation Security Administration, Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are considered essential employees. Air traffic controllers, who are part of the FAA, are required to work, even if they're not getting paid. 

Maine airports

Mainebiz checked in Tuesday with airport managers in Portland and Bangor to hear if they’re experiencing staffing and flight issues as the shutdown continues. 

Zach Sundquist, assistant airport director at Portland International Jetport, told Mainebiz that passengers are not seeing any real direct impact.

“Air traffic controllers and TSA agents are continuing to show up for work and we are very, very appreciative of them for doing so," Sundquist said. 

“Irregular operations are possible. We are part of a system so complications at other airports can cascade through the system. But we have not had very many flight cancellations at this point and our team in Portland continues to show up to work.” 

At Bangor International Airport, operations are normal so far. 

“The airport cannot comment on behalf of government agencies," said Aimee Thibodeau, an airport spokeswoman. "At this time, the agencies that serve the airport, TSA, FAA and CBP are considered essential, and are operating as normal.”

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